I attended a fabulous photography workshop a few weeks ago hosted by Pixel Fairy Princess. I learned as much during that one weekend as I've learned in the past 6 months on my own! One of the techniques that Debbie, the leader, insisted we try is called "Back Button Focus." The photos in this post were both taken using this method.
With Back Button Focus, you set focus for a given shot by using the Auto Focus button on the back of your DSLR camera. You won't be setting focus when you press your shutter button half-way down anymore.
It's great for shots when you don't want your subject to be in the center of the picture. To use the technique:
- Enable the AF button. You might need to dig out your owner's manual for this part!
- Press the AF button to lock the focus on your subject.
- Recompose the shot with your subject off center. Think Rule of Thirds!
- Press shutter button half-way to meter, then shoot.
This technique also can increase shooting speed if you are taking lots of pictures of a subject that isn't moving out of your plane of focus. Set the focus once using the back button and your camera won't try to refocus every time you press the shutter button half-way. Try this next time you're taking pictures of a newborn who can't roll yet or a child in a high chair or crib.
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