We’re going back to the basics! This is one of the most common emails we have in our inbox.. ‘Where should I put my focal point to get a tack sharp image?’
I have a different episode on the ins and outs of AF (Auto Focus) settings, but this video is more of a practical approach of what I am actually doing to manipulate my camera WHILE I am shooting. On the R6, I have a love-hate relationship with eye/ face tracking, and while there is a time/ place for it, these tips will be more practical!
There has to be some strategy when thinking about where your focal point should be! It’s not just as simple as ‘put the focus on what you want to be in-focus.’
Here’s 5 tips you can use for the next time you’re shooting! :
Tip #1: Always use the smallest focus point!
You don’t want a cluster, or having your camera evaluating & creating its own focal point. The smaller the point, the more control & precision I have when shooting.
Tip #2: Focus on the Primary Subject
Composition and posing can play a huge role in who the primary subject of the photo actually is!
Tip #3: Closer to Subject = More Precision
If you’re shooting a wide picture with the couple far away, you don’t need to be as precise as a close up image!
Tip #4: Focus on Person Closest to Camera
Focus starts at a certain point and then grows backwards, so you don’t want to put your focus behind someone!
Tip #5: Be Mindful of your Focus Plane
If you think about a piece of paper going out from your sensor, and whatever it touches first is where your focal point is! So if you have a line of people that are curving in at the end, they will be in focus rather than the center.
Once you start to recognize some of these things while you are shooting, you will know what can change to make the image different!
Watch the video below to see examples and more tips on how to learn where your focal point should be!
If this was helpful and you want to continue to grow and learn, try KJ ALL ACCESS for free!! Click here to join now!!!
Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?
We release brand new Youtube episodes each week ranging from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!
If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!
Thanks for reading!
— Katelyn
MORE RECENT POSTS
Have you ever tried to sit down with your spouse to talk about dreams, goals, and vision—only for it to turn into frustration or misalignment? If so, you’re not alone. Vision casting in marriage is hard because it brings up deeper fears, beliefs, and unspoken dynamics that many couples don’t even realize are at play.
Success—it’s a word we hear all the time. But what does it really mean? Is it about financial security? Status? Owning a dream home or taking extravagant vacations?
When you think about your business, do you see it as simply a job—or something more?
Today, I’m diving into an experience that was nothing like I anticipated: my digital detox in December. If you’ve ever considered taking a break from the noise of the online world, you might relate to my journey—the good, the surprising, and the, well, completely unplanned.
The wedding industry has faced unique challenges recently, with inflation affecting budgets and couples cutting costs. If you’re a wedding photographer feeling the pinch, don’t worry—2025 doesn’t have to be a slow year.
Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? Over the last few months, I’ve been on a medical rollercoaster that I never saw coming.
Top Personal Posts
Have a little time to read?
"Best money I have EVER spent on education! ... and I've spent a lot!”
"I love all the lessons I'm learning from KJ All Access! Thanks Katelyn!”
"I find very few educational resources worth it ... this one is!”
"Being able to see behind-the-scenes of Katelyn interacting with her clients has been SO impactful!”
"SO worth it! It's amazing the amount of knowledge you get out of them!”
"I learned just as much in one All Access as I did in a whole course! SO GOOD!"
The KJ blog
must-reads
YOUTUBE
The KJ Learning roadmap
