A Photographer's Guide to Focus and Autofocus

Book excerpt: Autofocus changed the way photos are taken, making it easier to capture and keep the subject in sharp focus. Since autofocus was first introduced, it has become much more complicated, offering different focus modes, focus types, and focus points. What started out as a way to simplify the photo-making process has turned into a complicated endeavor with numerous choices and settings. A Photographer’s Guide to Focus and Autofocus: From Snapshots to Great Shots is here to answer all your questions about the focusing system in today’s cameras and their various autofocus modes. Photographer Alan Hess covers the simple basics of focus: manual focus versus autofocus, the best focus modes to use, and how focus works in both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Then he discusses more advanced topics, including autofocus sensor types, back-button autofocus, and focus for DSLR video. There is much more to autofocus, and focus in general, than just pushing the shutter release button and hoping the image is sharp and in focus. With this book, you’ll learn how to get the right focus in your images, no matter what the occasion. Follow along with your friendly and knowledgeable guide, and you will: Learn the top ten things to know about focus, including how to use the focus controls on the camera, how to pick the autofocus point, and when to use pre-focus in your images Address common autofocus issues such as dealing with low contrast or low light, or shooting through obstacles like glass or a fence Develop troubleshooting techniques for what to do when the autofocus doesn’t work properly Work with both manual focus and autofocus and learn tricks to achieve better focus in video And once you’ve got the shot, show it off! Join the book’s Flickr group to share your photos and tips at flickr.com/groups/focusandautofocusfromsnapshotstogreatshots