FOCUS

>>3087063
>Is it the clearest, sharpest area?
That's the area which is in focus. It might not be the focal point of the photo.
>For portraits, if the focus isn't on the eyes- but the eyes are still clear, is it a trash photo?
Hell no. It's either a good photo or a bad one.

>>3087063

You forgot to focus at all.

>>3087132
Ummm Isn't the focal point the clearest and sharpest portion of the photo

File: HenriCartierBresson05.jpg (102KB, 600x402px) Image search: [Google]

102KB, 600x402px

>>3087526
ideally yes but focal point refers to where your eyes are drawn to, for instance the stairs and curvature of the road should lead your eyes to the bicyclist.
rules are more like guidelines, composition is more important than obsessing over sharpness. Unless you're doing paid work, then yes the eyeball should be in focus.

[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]

Camera-Specific Properties:
Camera Software	Google
Image-Specific Properties:
Image Orientation	Top, Left-Hand
Image Width	600
Image Height	402

>>3087536
but my eyes go straight to the cyclist?

>>3087558
that's the fucking point
if your eyes drift elsewhere the lines lead you back to the cyclist
do you have a learning disability or something?

>>3087063
My eyes go straight to her bright cheek regardless of what part is in focus

>>3087526
It has two definitions.
1. The area your eyes are drawn to.
2. The area of the photo which is most in focus.

Both usages are correct. You'll have to use context.

>>3087063
>this is Ariana Grande

I would have never guessed. Looks just like a dozen MILF porn stars I've seen over the years. Just another testament to how makeup, photography, and photoshop can transform people, and also makes people look the same.

>>3087132
If you're shooting a portrait of a person then why would you focus on anything but their eyes? Or at least their face. OP is shooting portraits, not a photo of a person on a bike with their back turned.

>>3087697
Maybe it's porn and the focus is her lips. Or her tits.

>>3087738
Okay, well anything other than porn where focus is on the boobs or lips.

I'm just saying the face should be the main focus. I just thought that was obvious. If OP can't focus correctly using his camera then he should learn how.

>>3087855
>Okay, well anything other than porn where focus is on the boobs or lips.
Anything other than a major chunk of photography?

>>3087855
That's quite a blanket statement.

Focusing eyes is a good idea if you have no better ones. It depends on what you are doing.