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All photographers strive for perfectly sharp photos, and this task can often be difficult depending on the subject at hand and the situation we confronts. Consistently achieving precise focus isn’t about owning a great camera, but rather understanding how autofocus really works and knowing how to use it properly and the best settings to use.
The video below comes to us from the folks at Great Big Photography World, a YouTube channel that caters to shooters of all skill levels by sharing lessons on a wide range of topics from camera basics and composition, to post-processing and more. Our unnamed instructor explains the goal of today’s beginner-friendly episode like this: “I’ll break down everything you need to know about autofocus settings so you can finally capture sharp photos every time.
There’s a specific emphasis on your camera’s Single Point AF mode that our instructor says he personally uses most of the time and recommends to beginners and hobbyists alike. He explains his preference like this: “Unlike multi-point focus where your camera decides where to focus, single-point AF gives you full control over exactly what part of your composition is sharp. And this precision can make or break a photo.”
The video provides a quick walkthrough on when to use single-point AF, configuring the camera appropriately regardless of the brand, and how to practice with both static subjects and those in motion. You’ll also learn how to physically move your focus point within the frame, whether you’re using a rocker switch, control wheel, or a camera’s rear touchscreen LCD.
There are times when multi-point focus may be preferable with certain fast-moving subjects like birds in flight as compared to photographing a person walking past a tree. You’ll also see how to read the small square focus indictors to keep you abreast of what’s going on, “because sometimes you want full control, but other times you just need the camera to help out.”
And that’s why understanding what a camera is trying to do is the first step towards mastering the options. This is the reason our instructor teaches both methods to his students. He admits that single-point AF may feel awkward at first, “but with just a bit of practice it becomes second nature and way more accurate than letting your camera guess.”
Today’s quick tutorial is for those of you who’ve tried photographing on the street and were disappointed that the images you captured looked nothing like the compelling scenes you witnessed through the viewfinder. We’re going to fix that today.
Instructor Hans-Joachim Brucherseifer is very sympathetic and he explains the difficulties like this: “Street photography is a true test of skill and intuition. Often you only get one shot (no second chances), you can’t stage anything, and lighting is always unpredictable. In less than four minutes he provides several of his secrets for overcoming these uncertainties.
Hans is a German pro who says he’s a photographer by day and a magician at night who shoots everything from epic landscapes to imitate portraits. He’s also a popular instructor, and his straightforward imaging tutorials are packed with photo tips, unique techniques, and a whole lot of passion.
Today’s street photography primer covers everything from choosing the right lens, making the most of natural light, and achieving precise focus. Being prepared for the unexpected is also part of the game, as is easing your qualms about approaching strangers to politely request an impromptu portrait.
Hans begins with the latter and says he strives to tells a story with his images by capturing real-life situations, and why this often means photographing people within their personal space. As he says, “this requires technical skill and a deep sense of empathy and respect.” He follows up by revealing two ways to photograph pedestrians you don’t know.
In basic terms, you can either act as a fly on the wall, capturing the scene unnoticed, or “be the hornet on the eye directly.” Hans says his often shoots unaware subjects from behind, before approaching them, presenting the photos on the LCD, and suggesting an environmental portrait or two. Most times couples or individuals will readily agree, especially if you offer to send them copies.
Hans then moves on to gear and the focal lengths he recommends for different scenes and situations. You can view a complete list of the equipment he prefers in the description beneath the video. Once you’re properly armed it’s time to scrutinize the light and understand how to create natural looking exposures with perfectly balanced tones.
The lesson concludes with a discussion of how to use your experience to anticipate the unexpected and a few random final thoughts for improving your photos of the urban landscape. Be sure to check out Hans’ instructional YouTube channel where there’s much more to learn.
And don’t miss the tutorial we featured recently with another accomplished shooter who demonstrates how he employs creative cropping to significantly heighten the impact of every photograph that he shoots indoors or out.
