Are you ready to get sharp focus in your phtographs? Well, I’ve put together 10 tips to get sharp focus in your photographs.
Do you ever take a picture only to upload it and see that it’s out of focus? Soft focus has to be one of the most frustrating aspects of photography. That’s why I’ve put together these 10 tips to get sharp focus in your photographs.
Taking tack-sharp photos is the one thing most beginning photographers struggle with! I see it every day in my Facebook Group, and it’s one of the things that I teach in The Beginners Photography Essentials Class.
If you are struggling with the same thing? You aren’t alone… it’s challenging to get sharp focus in your photography. It’s frustrating when your images are “soft” or out of focus. I know…it was my struggle when I was learning to use my camera. But don’t you worry, you can get sharp focus in your photography.
I have put together these 10 tips to get sharp focus in your photographs. Today, I am going to break it down for you. I will give you tips that will get you on your way to achieving those perfect, tack-sharp photos every time.
10 Tips To Get Sharp Focus in Your Photographs
Tip #1 Aperture
The first thing so many people do when they get a new lens is to start shooting wide open. You may not realize that your lens won’t produce its sharpest pictures at its widest aperture. The best aperture for your lens to create tack-sharp photos is usually a few stops down from the widest aperture. Remember this when shooting, and try not to open up your lens all the way.
Tip #2 Shutter Speed
My second tip for you to get sharp focus in your photography is all about Shutter Speed. Many times people’s photos aren’t sharp because their shutter speed is too slow. Remember that your shutter speed is how long your shutter is open. The longer the shutter is open, the more room for shake or movement, resulting in a blur in your images and a soft, out-of-focus photo. I teach my students to keep their shutter speed above 1/100. If you go below, it helps to use a tripod.
Tip #3 ISO
The #3 tip in my 10 tips to get sharp focus in your photographs is ISO. If you’re using a high ISO, you’re going to end up with more “noise” in your photos, thus making the details appear fuzzy. Make sure that you are using the lowest ISO possible whenever you can.
Tip #4 Back Button Focus
This tip is a game-changer. When you use back button focusing, you use a button on the back of your camera to set and hold focus. You are separating the focus and the shutter into two different buttons. You simply set the focus, and it stays. I dive more into back button focus in The Beginners Photography Essentials course.
Tips #5 Your Lens
This goes back to aperture and your lens working at its best potential. If you are shooting a zoom lens, it will work best at its mid-range.
Tip #6 Posture
It’s going to happen; you are going to move when taking a photo. Whether it’s taking a breath or shaking, movement will affect your photos. Making your body create a “tripod” will help with this. Brace your elbows against your body. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and snap the shutter slowly and gently. This will help with any body shake that you may have.
Tip #7 Image Stabilization
Your camera has a nifty little tool called image stabilization. It can really help you get sharp images if used correctly. Learn more about your image stabilization and use it accordingly.
Tip #8 Use The Right Settings
This may be the most important tip to get sharp focus in your photography. Understanding your settings and using the correct settings is essential when achieving sharp focus. Adjusting your focal points and your focal settings will make a huge difference in the focus of your shots.
Tip #9 Learn to Shoot in Low Light
If you notice that your low light shots are continuously blurry, understanding and learning to shoot in low light will make all of the difference. There is a big difference in the settings you will use in low light and understanding that will help you achieve a better focus.
Tip #10 Use a Tripod
Buying a good tripod can absolutely help you get sharp focus in your photos, especially if shooting at night. Tripods also help when you’re using a longer, heavier lens.
There you have it, my 10 tips to get sharp focus in your photographs help you get sharp focus. If you want to learn to use your camera, understand your photos and start taking amazing photos today, make sure that you check out The Beginners Photography Essentials class!