September 29, 2014
Learn how to focus a portrait and capture pin-sharp eyes with our simple step-by-step tutorial and expert camera facusing techniques
Portrait photography often means using a wide aperture and longer focal lengths to create a shallow depth of field, throwing the background out of focus.
This makes focusing more important than usual, as sharpness is captured across a very narrow plane, often of just an inch or two.
How to focus a portrait: 01 Focus on the eyes
The eyes are the most vital element of a portrait, so it’s essential to record them sharply, particularly if you’re using a wide aperture.
Some photographers like to focus using the central focus point and then recompose, while others will set an off-centre focus point.
Whatever method you choose, those peepers need to be pin-sharp. If the focus is off, it’s usually only by a whisker, so don’t be fooled into thinking you’ve got it right just by glancing at the LCD screen.
Review the image properly by zooming in on the eyes to make sure they’re sharp.
How to focus a portrait: 02 Select the focus point
As mentioned, some photographers focus using the central focus point, then half-press the shutter release to lock the focus, and recompose to place the subject off-centre.
However, that slight movement when recomposing can be enough to throw the plane of focus off. For greater accuracy, use your SLR’s single-point autofocus.
Most SLRs give you a choice of nine or more focus points, which can be selected via your camera’s rear joystick or dials.
Setting an off-centre focus point over the subject’s nearest eye will give you an extra modicum of precision that could mean the difference between soft and sharp.
How to focus a portrait: 03 Use the rear button
SLRs are almost always set up so that half-pressing the shutter triggers the autofocus. But when you think about it, is this really the best way?
Why entrust both focusing and shutter release to the same button, when a button for each can potentially give you greater control?
Lots of pros prefer a custom function that triggers autofocus with a rear button positioned where your thumb usually rests (see your camera manual to see how to set it up).
It takes some getting used to, but can give you greater control when focusing and composing your shot.
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