Focus and recompose technique

With a still subject, place an active focus point over the part you want sharp, focus, keep that focus distance locked, then reframe before taking the photograph. This can be useful when your camera has limited focus-point coverage.

Why it can miss

Recomposing changes the angle of the camera. At close distances and very shallow depth of field, that small change can move the intended detail outside the sharp zone. The technique is therefore less reliable for close portraits at wide apertures.

When to use something else

If your camera lets you place a focus point directly over the subject, that is often more precise. Eye-detection autofocus can also be better for portraits. Treat focus-and-recompose as one useful option, not a rule you must follow.

Try it for yourself