Focusing Tips and Tricks

Focusing correctly to ensure that your subject is sharp is a very important part to photography. Unfortunately, setting your camera to auto focus mode does not always give you the best results. 

Your DSLR camera will have two focusing options for you to choose, which are:

Manual Focus

This is when your camera will not focus on its own; the photographer adjusts the focus ring in order to focus. I do not recommend this option at first since it takes longer and it entails lots of experience.

Auto Focus

This is when your camera automatically focuses once you press the shutter release button halfway down.  This option allows you to focus more precisely and quickly.  Unfortunately, the auto focus can focus on the wrong subject.  Therefore, it is important to learn how to adjust your auto focus mode settings which I have discussed below.  With that said, keep in mind that most focus issues that occur are due to user error.  Learning how to master the technique of focusing can help you take awesome photos.

Auto Focus Mode Settings

One Shot AF or Single Servo

This focuses on a single spot when you press the shutter release button halfway down.  Keep in mind that if your subject is moving the focus stop does not move along with the subject.  It will remain in the same spot so you will need to refocus again.  This mode works very well with subjects that are not moving.

Al Servo AF or Continuous Servo AF or C

The camera focuses on one spot but it will continuously refocus as the subject moves.  This mode helps you keep subjects that are moving sharp.  I use this option when I am shooting sports.

Auto Focus Mode Settings – Selecting the AF Point

Another step is how to choose the focusing spot in your camera’s viewfinder.  Each camera can be different so consult your manual to learn how to select your auto focus points.  For the Canon camera you would look for a grid like symbol on the top of your camera.  Once you select the button, your camera will display 9 focus points.  Your options are to select automatic which will highlight all nine focal points or manual which will allow you to select only one of the nine focal points.

Source: LearningDSLR.com

Source:  myphotocentral.com

Below is an example from http://digital-photography-school.com website.  Notice that the focal selection point is to the left of the photo and that subject is the sharpest part of the photo.

I have included below a table that can help you with troubleshooting several focus issues.

Problem:	Blurry Image
Possible Causes:	If subject is moving then shutter speed setting may not be fast enough to freeze the movement or If the complete image is blurry it could be camera shake.  See my earlier blog about how to hold your DSLR camera to eliminate this problem. Keep in mind that really slow shutter speeds will require a tripod.
Problem:	Focus is on the wrong part of the photo
Possible Causes:	Aperture Setting:  Check your depth of field aperture setting you may be shooting too wide (lower aperture number). Lens:  It could be the quality of your lens.  Off-brand lenses will not give you the best results compared to a brand lens such as Canon and Nikon.  You get what you pay for. Focus Settings & Points:  Check your settings they could be off.

So what are your focusing tips?  I would love to hear them.