Focus and recompose technique: try it yourself

This practical is written so that somebody doing it for the first time can follow it without guessing. Read one exercise, do it, compare the result, then move to the next. Keep the lesson open beside you if you need it.

Before you begin

• Charge the battery or make sure the phone has enough power.
• Check that a memory card is fitted where your camera needs one and that you have space for the photographs.
• Use a safe, stationary subject unless the exercise specifically calls for movement.
• Keep the camera position and subject as consistent as possible when comparing settings.
• Do not force a control, card, battery, lens or door. If something does not fit or move easily, stop and check the manual.

1. Center Focus

Press half-shutter on eye (center)—hold—recompose—shoot.

Set up the subject first and make a starting photograph before changing anything. Check that the camera has focused where you intended. Make the change described in the exercise, take the comparison photograph, then review both at the same magnification.

Look specifically for the effect the exercise is testing. Ignore whether the subject is artistic. If you cannot see a difference, exaggerate the change, repeat the pair and make sure no other important setting or part of the scene changed at the same time.

2. Off-Center Portrait

Place subject on right third—use center AF point to focus—recompose.

Set up the subject first and make a starting photograph before changing anything. Check that the camera has focused where you intended. Make the change described in the exercise, take the comparison photograph, then review both at the same magnification.

Look specifically for the effect the exercise is testing. Ignore whether the subject is artistic. If you cannot see a difference, exaggerate the change, repeat the pair and make sure no other important setting or part of the scene changed at the same time.

3. Moving Recompose

Practice on walking pet—focus, recompose, shoot quickly.

Set up the subject first and make a starting photograph before changing anything. Check that the camera has focused where you intended. Make the change described in the exercise, take the comparison photograph, then review both at the same magnification.

Look specifically for the effect the exercise is testing. Ignore whether the subject is artistic. If you cannot see a difference, exaggerate the change, repeat the pair and make sure no other important setting or part of the scene changed at the same time.

4. DoF Caution

At wide apertures (f/1.8), recomposing can throw focus—test this!

Set up the subject first and make a starting photograph before changing anything. Check that the camera has focused where you intended. Make the change described in the exercise, take the comparison photograph, then review both at the same magnification.

Look specifically for the effect the exercise is testing. Ignore whether the subject is artistic. If you cannot see a difference, exaggerate the change, repeat the pair and make sure no other important setting or part of the scene changed at the same time.

5. Alternative

Compare to moving AF point instead of recomposing—see which is faster.

Set up the subject first and make a starting photograph before changing anything. Check that the camera has focused where you intended. Make the change described in the exercise, take the comparison photograph, then review both at the same magnification.

Look specifically for the effect the exercise is testing. Ignore whether the subject is artistic. If you cannot see a difference, exaggerate the change, repeat the pair and make sure no other important setting or part of the scene changed at the same time.

Troubleshooting

If nothing happens, check the shooting mode first. Automatic modes can prevent manual changes. If the photograph is blurred, decide whether the camera moved, the subject moved or focus landed in the wrong place. If it is unexpectedly bright or dark, check exposure compensation and ISO as well as the setting being tested. Change one thing and try again.

You are finished when

• You have completed the comparisons rather than simply reading the instructions.
• You can point to the photographs and identify the visible difference.
• You can explain which change caused that difference.
• You know what you would try if the same situation occurred again.