Rule 3: The subject of the picture MUST be IN FOCUS.
Yes, I know this statement seems obvious. However, blurry, fuzzy and out of focus subjects easily constitute 40 percent of the problems I encounter in the pictures that I am asked to critique. In this age of auto focus cameras, it seems impossible that this most basic of camera functions should be the largest single source of disappointing photography.
But now that you are aware of this danger, you can make it your mission to master sharp imagery. Also make it your policy NEVER to display images that are not in focus. Nothing marks photos as "amateur" as quickly as a lack of sharp subject focus. Close does NOT count. The subject MUST be sharply "in focus".
The human eye is attracted FIRST to elements of an image that are IN Focus -- the picture's subject!
Out of focus subject
The composition and exposure of the flower above makes this image interesting and compelling. That is, until our eyes notice that the subject is out of focus. Even in this small size, the main subject (the foreground flower) is visibly "soft".
Jargon Alert: "Soft" is the photographer's term for an image that is slightly out of focus.
Same image with subject flower in sharp focus
Compare the original flower picture with the one above. The increased sharpness of the subject is noticeable even in this small size. Imagine the differences between these two pictures if each was enlarged to a print size of 11" x 14". As the size of any out of focus image increases, the worse the picture will appear to the viewer.
The problem is even more distracting when the subject is a person or an animal.
This Alaskan guide makes an interesting subject. The features of his outdoor-worn face are critical to the impact of the image. It may seem the image above captures these features -- until you see the SHARP picture below.
In this picture the eyes, the wrinkles, the hair in the beard and the pins in the guide's hat are all sharply in focus. The image now reveals the subject's personality and the effects of his life as an outdoors man in Alaska.
There are two most-likely reasons out of focus pictures:
- The camera's auto focus system was set up wrong
- Photographer error.
Most DSLR cameras also include a method for overriding the auto focus system as the scene is being composed through the viewfinder. For example, on my camera, when I press the shutter button half way down, the camera performs its auto focus. But I also have the option of moving the focus ring on my lens to fine tune the focus. The camera will "hold" my new focus adjustment until I complete taking the picture by pressing the shutter button the rest of the way down.
Even better, most DSLRs allow the photographer to "turn off" the auto focus system and enter a totally manual mode. Now by carefully focusing your subject through the viewfinder, you are assured the camera's system will not alter your desired focus setting.
Much of the photographer focusing error occurs either from a lack of attention or due to the photographer's eyesight. I can't do much for the first possibility except to remind you to be very careful when focusing. There is, however, help for correcting a camera to accommodate the photographer's eyesight.
Today's cameras offer an adjustable diopter built into the viewfinder. This diopter can easily be adjusted to match the vision needs of your camera. Your camera manual will explain how to adjust the diopter on your camera. It's an easy procedure that I recommend EVERY camera owner utilize. Even if you believe you have perfect vision, take the time to follow the procedures for optimizing the camera's diopter. There's a very good chance this simple adjustment will improve your focusing capability. I know. It helped me to the point that I regularly check the diopter adjustment of my cameras to ensure they have not inadvertently moved during normal camera use. (Learn more about how to adjust your camera's diopter in Hub's Photography Tips -- Does your camera need glasses?)
It is often difficult to determine if an image is truly in focus on the camera's small preview monitor. A focus deficiency may not be noticeable until you return home and look at the image on your much larger computer monitor. So, when there is any doubt, refocus the scene again and re-shoot the picture while you are in the field. Just to be sure.
Finally, let's test my statement that the human eye/mind is first attracted to the sharpest components of a photograph.
Camera lens focused sharply on the foreground flower
When viewing the picture above, the first object noticed is the foreground flower. This is not because of its size, color or placement. No, our eyes immediately lock onto this object because it is the only component of the picture that is in focus.
Camera lens focused sharply on the background flower bed
Above is the same picture. This time I focused the camera's lens on the flower bed behind the foreground flower. Even at this small size, our eyes are first drawn to the in focus flowers in the background. Pretty dramatic. It's our ability to precisely CONTROL focus that allows us, as photographers, to direct and hold our viewer's attention on the main subject(s) of our pictures.
So, now make me a promise. While you are learning the craft of photography, you will TRASH any pictures where the subject is out of focus. Please.
Note: This discussion does NOT take depth of field into account. In this article, the only concern is the actual focus point of your lens. The explanation and details of controlling depth of field are covered in Part 2 and 6 of this primer. Depth of field, in regards to rules of composition, will be discussed as it applies to other guidelines in Part 22 articles.
The Rules and Guidelines of Photographic Composition continue in Part 22c.
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