Where EXACTLY Should You Put Your Focal Point?!

Рет қаралды 65,727

Күн бұрын

A common theme of questions I see in my inbox are from people asking about focus and specifically focal points. This seems to be an area of confusion for a lot of people! So in this video we're taking a practical approach to where you should be placing your focus point when shooting to ensure tack sharp images every time.
R6 Focus Settings: • I FINALLY Figured It O...
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Пікірлер: 141

@serenabuffagni8870 2 ай бұрын

I just did a try on my daughter and I could see every single eyes lash when zooming in! I thank you a million, your channel is being an inspiration for me!! So glad I found you!

@missiemellen8486 Жыл бұрын

Grateful for you & your teachings. a breath of fresh air & exactly what I needed! So helpful, every video! Thank you!!

@Lrsanderson6 2 жыл бұрын

Super early!! Thank you Katelyn! Your videos inspire and teach me everyday! I am so grateful for you and that you share your skills to so many!! :)

@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@PhilThach 2 жыл бұрын

I listened to a Jared Polin podcast the other day (Episode 005). Vanessa Joy was his guest while Stephen was out of town. Vanessa name-dropped you multiple times. I wondered how you would get 14 minutes out of a subject where I would have said "place your focus point on your main subject's nearest eye" but you did and it was interesting throughout. Great job!

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@AnandaGarden 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, excellent. Thanks for the advice on shooting with the R6 in busy events!

@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@cristirenault 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Katelyn! Another good educative video.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@YaboiDevin 7 ай бұрын

I’m glad I found this page I appreciate the all the info your giving out

@KatelynJames 6 ай бұрын

I appreciate that!

@lolabunny13 2 жыл бұрын

Genius think of a piece of paper!! 😊 found you and now you're the only one I watch, no need to watch so many others, your helpful hints to the point!! The goal point!🌈💕💝🌈💓💖

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Oh thank you!

@user-ok7pp5rm7n 7 ай бұрын

truly great info, you packed sooooooo much in one video, I liked it very much!!!

@jasonm129 2 жыл бұрын

The group photo tip is definitely what I needed!

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@jacquelinejackson5191 Жыл бұрын

Katelyn.......I agree 100% the Most important person in the image......Primary person's EYE and One Focus Red block is best!!!!! Great Lesson Kate about those on the edge of a photo.......OMG using my Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 and its 15 people in the image........

@koosfranken6115 10 ай бұрын

I'm a new subscriber and I absolutely love the way you explain things. Thank you so much.

@p.burley4533 Жыл бұрын

These videos are always so helpful. I'm doing weddings now. Those pointers about focusing on eyelashes are just additional perks

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@heatherk9094 2 жыл бұрын

love the way you present your content!

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

@amateurphotographerassocia5965 2 жыл бұрын

This is great, will share with our group. What I had to start doing was go to a f/4 with flowers, macro. etc.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@m1ch4Lko 2 жыл бұрын

Dear Katelyn. Thanks for another great video! I shot my first wedding last week and watching your videos over the past months has been an invaluable resource!!! The amount of PRACTICAL knowledge and experience and tips you share is amazing and so extremely helpful !!! Many thanks ! P.S.: With respect to eye detection jumping to a random face in a group... I found out that you can avoid it by setting "Initial Servo AF pt for (face tracking)", which is the first item on menu page AF5, to "Initial AF pt set for (face tracking)". This way you get a "focusing box" even in eye AF that you can position over the face you want to track and when you half press the shutter button, eye AF will stick to the person that had initially the box over them. And of course you can reposition the box with touch and drag just like a normal focusing point.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@mcmillanvideos 9 ай бұрын

I wish the R8 had this.. I have the same frustration/control issue... you have to put it on a specific focusing scenario or 'case', that's the best it can do.

@Jwitherow1964 2 жыл бұрын

Leaning for 40 years thanks keep up the great videos

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@lampv Жыл бұрын

Awesome video, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

@andreahuss3156 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! This was very helpful! ❤️

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@lightthescenevideography3514 2 жыл бұрын

This was so informative. Thank you.

@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@JaredRibic Жыл бұрын

I love that the Canon EOS R3 lets that point auto track (you can turn tracking on/off), because I like to choose my point rather than have the camera grab "something" for me. The tracking of the R3 is great, because I can *choose* the eye, and it stays locked on the whole time I'm holding down the AF-on button.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@devinaberger7190 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for these great videos!

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@Lynettelucasphotography 2 жыл бұрын

These are good tips. Thank you.

@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Riflex04 2 жыл бұрын

Waiting for your video for settings on your R6 :) .Support from 🇩🇴

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Coming soon!

@Fifthimagez 2 жыл бұрын

This was great vary helpful indeed thanks for sharing.

@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@youarenotrede 9 ай бұрын

I was practicing a boudoir shoot with a friend of mine this summer. I had her doing a pose where she was on all fours, head down, back arched, sultry expression, angled the mirror reflection perfectly, etc. and I had my focal point set to between her eyes on the middle of the touch screen. I took the shot and I excitedly told her something like "yes! this is fire! I'll take a few more but I doubt the rest will be as good as this!" and showed her the shot and she was giddy too. Fast forward to when I started editing and finally saw them all on the computer - her face was blurry because I'd accidentally moved my camera ever so slightly just before taking the shot but her lower back/bottom was tack sharp (but the other 4-5, not-quite-as-good shots were all fine). The focal point was actually a foot and a half behind where I intended and at f/1.8 that makes a huge difference. I was so mad at myself for missing that attention to detail but I only had to learn that lesson once.

@beejaygalvez3059 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Katelyn. Your videos are so informative and useful!

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

You're so welcome!

@Thundr4x Жыл бұрын

Yes. The longer I shoot mirrorless with EYE AF the sooner I realize that I don’t need that feature. Because now I’m still using ONE SHOT with 1 focal point and recompose. In my case this is for weddings. For moving subjects especially for sports this will be perfect.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@eccod 3 ай бұрын

My D750 has a group mode, where it looks at the points around the one selected, and chooses the one that's closest to the camera. It works well for live shows with fast moving subjects against a high contrast background that might distract the autofocus. It would not work well for a subject with things in front of their face like leaves or grass.

@billsugden 7 ай бұрын

That was a great video. Thanks.

@paullanoue5228 Жыл бұрын

Selecting a camera is a straight forward process. What is my budget? What am I photographing? What features in a camera do I need to accomplish this task? What am I going to do with the images I create? I agree with your assessment. The upgrades to the R6 mkII are not directed to wedding photography. They expand the capabilities for sports and wildlife photography.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Paul!

@L.Spencer 10 ай бұрын

I just discovered this today, when my camera wasn't focusing on a person in the middle but on a closer tree on the side. So I changed it to one middle point and after it focused I composed and moved as necessary. Trying out my nifty fifty today.

@csc-photo 2 жыл бұрын

Your content is very easy to watch & understand, and I love your approach to auto / eye tracking vs single point - makes perfect sense! The one thing my system (Nikon) is missing for me is the ability to assign all the different AF modes to more than one button, for instant switching (although, the Z9 can do this, I just don't have one yet). The only one I can dedicate a different button to is Subject (3D) Tracking, which I use a ton, but I'd love a single-click action for Single Point as well.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@denisebuzzelli564 Жыл бұрын

--->Kaitlyn

@frankseophotos9633 Жыл бұрын

Nice video! I totally agree 13:00

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Good to hear! Thanks for watching!!

@Burritosarebetterthantacos Жыл бұрын

setting up custom buttons with back button focus made my r6m2 an absolute beast.

@EricMuranoAU 10 ай бұрын

I too found that facial tracking that face tracking takes control away from me. Most of the time, I use it by moving my single-focus point to the face I want to focus on, then I enable the face tracking with that same back-button you do, then I can move the frame around, portrait, landscape, etc, and the point stays in that spot. That is really handy

@robigerovasilisphotography 2 жыл бұрын

I just re-watched the video you refer to in this one and re-watched this one and I couldn't for the life of me understand why I couldn't get the whole touch & drag thing and why it wasn't working for me. After watching the other video again for the 3rd time I then realised you look through the viewfinder with your right eye whereas I've been using my left eye hence why my big fat nose kept getting in the way of my finger trying to do touch & drag. I now want to train myself to use my right eye and have adjusted my diopter accordingly. thank you for these very informative videos 🙂

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@robigerovasilisphotography Жыл бұрын

@@KatelynJames I watch your weekly KZfaq episode on a Friday morning here in Australia 🇦🇺 with my first cup of coffee ☕️ when they've all left for work. Best 20ish minutes of the day!!

@SpawningFish Жыл бұрын

It’s been a while yet I remember reading your reply Robi. While I’m editing there are only two people that I listen to and kind of watch out of the corner of my eye 😊 Anyhow I’m editing and listening and wanted to circle back and see how that has been working for you with your left eye? If it hasn’t been working you can simply pick up a longer eye cup. They make them using the same type of material so they have the look and feel of the OE version (Only like $20) just longer. That extra room allows you to shoot with your right eye without smashing your nose against the screen. Knowing which eye is your dominant eye can be super important as it’s literally ‘How’ you see the world. Easy Google to find how to hold your hands up in front of you to find out. 😊

@worldpeace1822 11 ай бұрын

So I learned that the groom is part of the background composition… but those eye lashes shall be damn sharp 😂 it’s kind of funny thinking about that

@jakaufma1933 Жыл бұрын

great video. what aperture do you use in close ups to get the bride and groom sharp?

@sandramcmillan-cato5206 Жыл бұрын

Great video

@photoray002 2 жыл бұрын

@katelyn James thank you for the video. I wanted to add my experience on going mirrorless and focal points. I discovered after testing my new R5 and lenses with a 90° target with ruler, that different lenses reacted differently with percentages of what landed in front and behind of the actual focal point. Example (at 10ft), my Canon 70-200 mkIII had a 60/40% of what landed front/back in focus. My Sigma 24-70 Art lands15-85% front to back. Firmware updates didn't change anything. I would suggest its a good idea to test equipment to know how each one differs.

@photouniversum1209 2 жыл бұрын

on professional cameras there's a focus fine tune setting for different lenses

@nathanhoefert 2 жыл бұрын

What are you doing to test your lenses on? I know there are the AF charts but I’ve always in envisioned those to be for smaller scale AF tuning.

@photoray002 2 жыл бұрын

@@photouniversum1209 DSLR has a fine tune focus adjustment for lenses due to their prism system. Mirrorless (or most at the time of writing this) does not have that function. Been down this road with others trying to call me out. Another option, Sigma Art lenses can be docked to a PC and adjusted via firmware, but only works on prism cameras.

@photoray002 2 жыл бұрын

@@nathanhoefert I DIY'd my target. You can glue a yard stick to a 90° contractors square and mount it to another 90° square with a target glued to it. Any basic target you can make in Photoshop or free download will work. the important part is the measuring stick. Just make sure everything is level in relation to target and camera. In the USA, Harbor Freight is a cheap place to get tools.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@annebrooks5940 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, your video is fantastic. I bought a Nikon Z7ii and do not know how to use it yet. Mirrorless is a real challenge. I realize you are using Canon mirrorless, but it would be great if you could demonstrate on Nikon. Thanks!

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

I wish I could, but I know nothing about Nikon

@alexajohnson3810 Жыл бұрын

When you have a large group (ex: extended family shot at a wedding), do you still use the smallest focus point? How do you make sure they're all in focus?

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

I do! I make sure they are in a straight line and focus on someone in the front center.

@coconuthair 10 ай бұрын

Great video and an awesome explanation. If you are shooting with that curve you are talking about, what do you focus on? the center or sides? I got a bit confused sorry

@jennab.7421 6 ай бұрын

You want your group in a straight line, no curving at the edges, and I believe you'd focus on whoever is closest to the camera. She was saying if people make even a slight curve, focus is harder and the people in the middle might be softer. So to combat this, tell people to line up their heels to each other, then you can adjust as needed. You can also tell people to stand up straight and to line their heads up to one another. For some reason people naturally love to curl at the end and I don't know why! Be in charge and tell them to be in a straight line. Be the professional!

@user-mo3cs7fx7y 2 жыл бұрын

Katelyn can you post a video or explain here how you switch BACK to single point, after you switch to eye tracking using that button like you explained here? Do you set another button to go right back to single point?

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@MrRenoman2011 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Katelyn Bye!

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@lynneaslette4091 Жыл бұрын

Do you recommend using one shot or continuous? And 1-point AF OR spot af?

@Riflex04 2 жыл бұрын

Can you tell you us about your customize buttons on your R6 ?

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@Jaktgbabu Жыл бұрын

Super inform

@dianewarner9727 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the helpful info! I enjoy your videos. I would just like to know one more thing...where did you get your...dress from? I love the color, it looks great with your hair color, and looks oh so comfy, too! 😉

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Amazon! I'll try to find a link!

@dianewarner9727 Жыл бұрын

@@KatelynJames awesome! I appreciate that! 💜

@thats_mr_b_ Жыл бұрын

I use a combo of the joystick and eye tracking. If it is crowed I’ll use the stick to get me to the person I want and it will stick to that person for me.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@careylee5951 16 күн бұрын

Do you have more info on the r6 mk ii ?

@averagebiker1 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this, very interesting. One thing though... I was under the impression (from every DoF calculator ever) that the fall off from the focal point is the same forward as it is rearward. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding. Any thoughts?

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@Rolio5451 Жыл бұрын

Following!! I was taught the same thing about the focal plane over and over, surprised me when i watched this video. Still any thoughts?

@leighbensonphotography2403 2 жыл бұрын

Gosh I am still struggling with this. I have always used my focus as you do, on the smallest point option and on the eyelashes/eyes for portraits, follow all the tips, and still only get 1 in 10 shots sharp. I have a 5D Mk IV and 24-105mm and 50mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.2. Happens regardless of the lens I'm using. I've lost all my confidence in shooting after 15 years :(

@clay_atc 2 жыл бұрын

I think this depends on your selected focus point and the compatibility of the lens. In the manual, only the middle section of focus points are cross type with the 24-105. And the focus points with the 50 1.8/1.2 is the middle section with the center 5 being dual cross. The others are not reliable. I hope this helps.

@guogegreat 2 жыл бұрын

Get an R5/6 your problem will be solved

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@markmalasics3413 7 ай бұрын

@@guogegreat If a specific camera will solve your problems, that alone speaks volumes on your qualifications as a professional photographer.

@AnthonyTadle 2 жыл бұрын

yay im first ! I got r6 because of your vids,, which im glad.. ty for inspiring us all

@KatelynJames 2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad!

@JuanLopezmusica 11 ай бұрын

Can you make a video about how you handle white balance in real time of wedding?

@matrixphotodesign 2 жыл бұрын

How do feel about focus recompose ?

@stephenransomphotography4077 Жыл бұрын

I always thought that at a small enough aperture, say f/8, that there was sufficient focus in front of the subject/focus point. So, say using a 35mm at f/8 with the group (3 rows) about 10 feet away, the focal plane would be almost 3 ft. in front of the focus point to about 6 feet beyond the focus point - so best to focus on someone in the middle row. Is that not the case in your experience?

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@stephenransomphotography4077 Жыл бұрын

@@KatelynJames I enjoy your videos! I was hoping that you could add some perspective here. Is the "theory" of focal plane not your experience in practice, or are you usually shooting at a wider aperture where this matters less?

@kennetht66 Жыл бұрын

Great advice we shouldn't trust or camera for everything!

@ernieojeda Жыл бұрын

Always put my focal point where I'm trying to frame them. So if I have the people on the right side of the frame I'll put my focal point over there and vice versa and of there in the middle I'll just put in the middle

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@sadiesofia7605 2 жыл бұрын

I use a single focal point but I'm struggling with focusing and recomposing. I switched to single focal point after watching your other video but now my focus and recompose is not working so I'm not sure what changed or what I'm doing wrong.

@annebrooks5940 2 жыл бұрын

I have the same problem. Would love to have an answer on this, focus and recomposing.

@johnpacetti6841 Жыл бұрын

I was under the impression the your DOf was approx 1?3 in front of the focal point and about 2/3 behind. Not from the focal point and going back. What am I missing? Please help, explain please.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

I need to make a video about this!

@Lynettelucasphotography 2 жыл бұрын

Do you prefer back button or front to take photos?

@csc-photo 2 жыл бұрын

I've gone back & forth on this since moving to mirrorless, and weighed the pro's & con's of each approach. Currently using shutter release focus only and seeing advantages (at least for how I shoot / focus). I'm acquiring focus faster by leaving my thumb out of the process. This may change when I get the Z9 for one technical it offers (green focus confirmation when in Continuous AF). Many wildlife / action shooters still prefer BBAF, but from what I hear, mostly due to muscle memory from their DSLR days.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@czwick9150 Жыл бұрын

Do you shoot a wedding in manual or Aperture Priority?

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Manual

@Andeedom12 Жыл бұрын

I struggle with my focal point with my Nikon D3300 it only gives me 10 focal point options and when I want to move one of the to the eye it messes up my whole composition I never know what to do so I focus on something else close to the eye:/

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@L.Spencer 10 ай бұрын

Wouldn't it be an option to deepen the DOF by using a smaller aperture?

@markmalasics3413 7 ай бұрын

You're asking a photographic based question to people that haves camera designed to do all their thinking for them. But you are correct.

@alyssaprescher8545 Жыл бұрын

how do you focus like this on moving subjects?

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@mybetterfilms 2 жыл бұрын

So surrounding area focus no?

@Smokeysoul1 2 жыл бұрын

That’s not technically correct about groups of people and the focal point. When you go for the smaller apertures then the camera will add 1/3 in front of the focal point and 2/3 behind. So for a pic with 4 rows of people you would focus on someone in the second row and providing you have the right f number it would get everyone. Not that I’m telling an amazing photographer how to focus or anything 😂 it just means you could have a slightly wider aperture than if you were going for a front row focus situation

@photoray002 2 жыл бұрын

I say its important to know just were your specific setup lands by testing testing testing first. I have tested several lenses and found each one can be different on the percentage of front to back distances on my mirrorless. Example, my Canon 24/70 at 10' lands approx 60% behind where as my Sigma lands approx 85% back. In close up or tight areas, that can make a difference.

@Soul_Visuals_Photography 2 жыл бұрын

That’s accurate in terms of how depth of field works. Facts.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@robgerety Жыл бұрын

Thankyou Smokeysoul1. This is a fundamental concept. It applies no matter the f-stop. Using the terminology in this video, focus actually "falls off" BOTH to the back, AND to the front, of the focal plane. The important thing is to know approximately how much depth of field you have in any given situation, which varies based on the f-stop and the distance to subject. Select a plane of focus, or center of focus, and an f-stop, that ensures the entire group, front to back, will be acceptably sharp. There is a larger depth of field available to you when you are further from you subject. Also, there is a larger depth of field available to you when you use a smaller aperature. Sometimes you want or need a large depth of field. Sometimes you want or need a small depth of field. This choice is part of the art of photography.

@franksalas8212 Жыл бұрын

Perfect, thank you.

@markmalasics3413 7 ай бұрын

Good God, it makes one wonder WTF all the highly skilled photographers did for decade upon decade without the aid of face focus/track and all the other "no-brains required" technology.

@labmanfj 2 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry, I generally liked your video, BUT your hand movements made it impossible to watch all the way through.

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@sajayavibes1730 Жыл бұрын

Hii Katy , I guess I need your help 🥺🤍 I have a photography business Few days ago I the hard drive that I use to save my data has stopped suddenly & I lost them all , I’m doing my best to recover the data I contacted my clients ( 99% of them are brides ) to tell them the problem in the nicest way I’ve been off line on my Instagram profile since the problem happened because I ( & the team members are so sad , so worried what would happen if we couldn’t get the files back so surely we are not in the mood of posting) The thing that I’m confused about is can I go back to my Instagram account or not ? Considering the clients feelings 🥺 Because I wanna go back to posting, sharing things for the brides I’m shooting these days & specially the coming weekend I’m gonna be working in another city ( a bigger one) & I’d like to share few things from 🥺

@KatelynJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!