Focusing
Capture creative shots in camera by
changing your focus settings
Focusing can often get overlooked when
you’re out shooting, as it can be all too easy to rely on your camera’s Auto
mode. However, you would be mistaken to think that most cameras offer a
straightforward auto or manual focus setting. In fact, autofocus (AF) has
developed rapidly over the last few years in both precision and speed, and
there are optional settings to suit all scenarios.
Take a look through your camera’s menu or
manual to discover all of your optional focus modes and then follow along with
us to find which setting is right for your shot. In this four-page guide we
will take you through how to compose more creatively in-camera by changing your
focus settings, and you will discover how easy it is to shoot pro-like shots
even on a compact camera. We will outline the most common focus settings and
show you how to use them both correctly and more creatively. Take a closer look
at our image examples and you will see just how easy it is to combine pin-sharp
focus precision with in-camera creativity.
Focusing modes
Discover what settings are available on your
camera and Learn how you can use them
Ideal
for focusing on stationary subjects, all cameras offer a number of optional
focus points, which enables you to select a specific AF area. Typically DSLR
cameras provide more focus points than compacts or cameraphones.
Use
multi-point AF when you want to focus on more than one subject in an image.
This is the best focus setting for photographing a bunch of flowers, or a group
shot, because it encompasses the majority of the frame.
Ideal
for shooting fast-moving subjects such as cars, children, pets or wildlife, the
continuous AF mode tracks movement, ensuring your shots stay sharp. Most new
compacts will have continuous AF, although cameraphones struggle with motion.
Manual
focusing is not available on all cameras and needs a good eye to make sure your
shots are sharp and in focus. Available with all DSLRs and most CSC cameras,
you can adjust the focus ring around the lens until your subject comes into
focus.
Focus locking
You may want to compose a capture where
your main subject is situated slightly off-centre in the frame but find that
your camera automatically focuses in the middle of the shot. This is because
some cameras have a limited number of focus points, which is where this focus
locking technique can come in handy. In two simple steps, you can override the
fixed AF point by re-composing your shot to focus first, here's how...
1. Start by framing your subject in the centre of your photograph so
that the camera can correctly focus on it. Press the shutter halfway down in
order for the camera to focus.
2. Once the focus is locked, continue holding down the shutter halfway
and then re-compose your shot with your focused subject positioned off-centre,
you can now press the shutter down completely to capture your composition.
Foreground focus
A professional way to shoot portraiture,
this focusing effect is great for giving your shots a three-dimensional feel.
By setting a single AF point on your subject, you can effectively blur out the
background scene and create a shallow depth of field effect. The further away
you position your model, the more softly focused the background becomes. By
combining this with a wide aperture setting, you can completely remove
background distractions.
Sharp movement
Moving subjects can be particularly hard to
shoot in focus. Switching your settings to continuous AF can help, provided you
can keep up with all the action. When used correctly with a fast shutter speed,
you should be able to freeze motion with pin-sharp precision. But why not try
getting creative? By extending your shutter speed slightly and panning with
your moving subject, your focus should remain sharp but the added element of
speed will be included, thanks to the trailing motion blur created with a
slower shutter speed.
Background focus
Lead the eye into your image by blurring
out the focus in the foreground. Another creative way to shoot portraiture,
this effect can add emphasis to your subject and is a more creative way of
achieving a soft focus effect. In order to shoot this successfully, position
your model further back in the frame with the foreground detail still visible
around the edges. Then set a single AF point in the middle of the photograph so
that only your subject will be in focus when you shoot.
Artistic
Get creative with your focus control and
find other artistic ways to frame and shoot a scene. Photographing through
glass provides plenty of artistic opportunity; try focusing on any foreground
details such as patterns in the glass or raindrops. This can be a great way to
add texture and depth to your image and will work particularly well with a
bright and colourful out-of-focus background. Cobwebs and other patterned items
covered in water or dew drops will also make a great subject matter to
experiment on.
Abstract
Not all out-of-focus shots need to be
deleted. Opting to shoot a subject out of focus can often result in great
abstract art. Before you begin shooting, select a subject that is bright,
colourful or patterned in design. This will help to add depth and create
definition in your blurred image. If your camera has manual focus control,
simply pull it out of focus before you shoot. For autofocus cameras, press the
shutter down quickly to prevent the camera from finding a focus point in the
frame.
Technical tip
To exaggerate the area of focus in the
frame use a wide aperture setting to create a shallow depth of field.
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