Getting your photos perfectly in focus isn't always simple. Yet, mastering autofocus is crucial—if you miss focus badly enough, your shot might be unusable no matter how skilled you are at editing afterward.
Coming to you from Omar Gonzalez Photography, this practical video breaks down autofocus techniques clearly, highlighting methods applicable whether you use a DSLR or a newer mirrorless model. Gonzalez stresses the importance of intimately understanding your camera's autofocus behavior, which means setting up realistic scenarios at home. For instance, testing your camera in low-light or high-action environments can help you predict how it will perform when it counts. He shares his personal experience transitioning from the Canon 5D Mark III, which relies heavily on single-focus modes, to more advanced systems with their powerful eye autofocus capabilities. Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of your particular autofocus system is foundational to capturing consistent images under pressure.
Gonzalez doesn't stop at camera bodies—your lens plays a significant role too. He suggests deliberately testing each lens to see how quickly it transitions from close-up to faraway subjects. Some lenses focus rapidly and precisely, while others struggle and hunt, especially in dim environments. If you're aware of your gear's limitations, you can compensate accordingly. Additionally, he emphasizes techniques like prefocusing—setting your focus on a specific point in advance—and back-button focusing. These techniques free you from last-second autofocus anxiety, especially in fast-moving scenarios like entrances or first kisses at weddings.
Gonzalez further explores practical details often overlooked, like the benefits of zone focusing and the strategic use of depth of field. He explains how adjusting your aperture can significantly improve your odds of getting sharp shots, particularly when autofocus is unreliable due to poor lighting or complex scenes. Additionally, he highlights the subtle, yet frequent problem of camera shake, noting how shutter speeds affect sharpness, particularly in dynamic party scenes with varying lighting conditions.
He also provides tips on fixing minor autofocus misses in post-processing, highlighting software such as Topaz Sharpen AI and Photoshop. However, Gonzalez stresses these are not substitutes for solid photography techniques—rather, they're useful emergency tools to recover from minor errors. His straightforward, realistic approach acknowledges that even experienced photographers occasionally miss critical focus but emphasizes preparation and practice to minimize these occurrences. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Gonzalez.
