What Is Focus?
Hebrews 12:2
“Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith...” HCSB
What Is Focus?
Have you ever taken a picture and realized afterward that the person you wanted to photograph was blurry? That usually means your camera focused on the wrong thing, or it did not have enough time to focus before you took the picture.
In photography, focus determines which part of your photo looks sharp and clear.
A photo that is in focus has clear details and sharp edges. A photo that is out of focus looks soft or blurry.
As photographers, we want to decide what the viewer should notice first.
Hebrews 12:2 tells us to keep our eyes fixed on Yeshua. Just as focus directs our attention in a photograph, we also need to be intentional about where we place our attention in life.
Why Does Focus Matter?
Imagine taking a picture of your friend standing in front of a tree.
If your friend is sharp but the tree is blurry, your eyes will probably go to your friend first.
If the tree is sharp but your friend is blurry, your eyes may go to the tree instead.
Focus helps tell the viewer:
“Look here! This is the important part of my picture.”
That makes focus more than just a camera skill. It is also a way to help tell your story.
How to Get a Sharp Photo
Before taking your picture:
- Choose your subject. Decide what you want to be the sharpest part of your photo.
- Point your camera at your subject.
- Tap your subject on the screen if you are using a phone or tablet.
- If you are using a camera, place your focus point over your subject and press the shutter button halfway to focus.
- Hold still. Moving the camera while taking the picture can cause blur.
- Take the picture and zoom in afterward to check it. Is your subject really sharp?
Portrait Tip
When photographing a person, try to make sure the eyes are sharp.
Why the eyes?
When we look at another person, we naturally look at their eyes. Sharp eyes can make a portrait feel much stronger.
Focus vs. Motion Blur
Not every blurry picture is caused by bad focus.
There are two common reasons a picture may look blurry:
Missed Focus: The camera focused on the wrong object.
Example: Your friend is blurry, but the wall behind them is perfectly sharp.
Motion Blur: The camera or subject moved while the picture was being taken.
Example: Someone waves their hand and the hand looks streaky or blurry.
Learning to recognize the difference will help you become a better photographer.
Class Game: “Blurry vs. Sharp” Contest
It is time to put your focusing skills to the test!
You will take two versions of the same subject:
Photo #1: BLURRY
Try to intentionally make your subject blurry.
Photo #2: SHARP
Photograph the exact same subject again, but this time make it as sharp and clear as possible.
You can photograph a classmate, an object, a shoe, a book, a plant, or something else your tutor approves.
The Challenge
After everyone finishes, we will compare the photos.
Look for:
- Which photo has the sharpest subject?
- Which photographer created the biggest difference between blurry and sharp?
- Can you tell where the camera focused?
- Was the blur caused by focus or movement?
Bonus Challenge: Take a picture with one object sharp in the foreground and another object blurry in the background.
Homework
3 Sharp Photos
Take 3 different photographs where your main subject is sharp and clearly in focus.
Try three different subjects:
- A person with sharp eyes
- An object with clear details
- Something of your choice
Before submitting each photo, zoom in and check your work.
Ask yourself: “What did I want the viewer to notice first, and is that part of my photograph sharp?”
Remember
A photographer does not just point the camera at something. A photographer decides where the viewer should look.
Choose your subject. Find your focus. Hold steady. Take the shot!