Manually focusing is a simple activity, but takes some practice to do with mastery.
Digital photography has brought the photogaphic community the miracle of high-tech autofocus. However, there are still lenses out there that only focus manually with certain cameras. For instance, Nikon's 50mm 1.8 lens is able to automatically focus on some Nikon bodies, but on the D40, it will only focus manually. Additionally, most older 35 ml film cameras will only focus manually. Manually focusing lenses is simple, but takes some practice to master.
Instructions
1. Choose an angle to shoot your picture from. Decide what elements will be included in the shot and what elements will not. If you are using a tripod, make sure its position is firmly in place so that you do not lose your shot. If you are not using a tripod, carefully hold your camera still so you can keep your chosen composition.
2. Look through your viewfinder and decide which point of your composition you would like to focus on. If you are shooting a person, aim to focus on the eyes. If you are shooting hands, go for the lines of the palm or the knuckles. Choosing a focal point that works can make or break a picture, so take care when considering a place to focus.
3. Adjust the focus by moving the focus ring on the camera lens. Move the ring clockwise and counterclockwise until the focus is perfectly adjusted. Once you have adjusted the focus to preference, you will be ready to take your picture.
Tags: focus manually, only focus, only focus manually, elements will, Manually focusing, some practice
