4 Focus Modes Every Beginner Photographer Needs to Know

Focus in photography refers to the degree of sharpness and clarity in an image. It determines which part of the scene will appear sharply defined and 'in focus' while other areas appear blurred or 'out of focus'. Achieving the right focus is crucial for capturing clear, detailed, and visually pleasing photos. Photographers can control focus to draw attention to specific subjects, create a sense of depth, or emphasize particular elements within a composition. In the world of photography, achieving the perfect focus is a fundamental skill that can make or break a shot.

Your camera will have several options for different focus modes that you can use for different things, depending on what you're capturing. There's usually a little button somewhere on your camera that will allow you to change your focus mode; check your camera manual for where to find this button. In this guide, we'll explore the various focus modes available in cameras, so you can be sure every photo you take is nice and sharp, no matter the situation.

► Single Focus Mode

Auto Focus Single (AF-S) on Nikon & Sony • One Shot AF on Canon

Single Focus is used to focus on non-moving subjects like still-life, landscape or a very still model. As you half-press the shutter button on a particular point, the camera will choose that single focus point as your focus. If you then immediately take your photo, or are shooting still-life with a tripod, your image will be in focus. However, if either you or your subject moves even a small bit after you’ve half-pressed the shutter button, your subject may fall out of the focus range that the camera has locked onto, and no longer be in focus.

► Continuous Focus Mode

Auto Focus Continuous (AF-C) on Nikon & Sony • AI-Servo AF on Canon

Continuous focus is used for tracking moving subjects like someone running or playing sport. In this mode, as long as you half-press the shutter button, the focus will move as your subject does. For example, imagine someone running towards you. If you were to half-press the shutter button on them in single focus mode and then waited a few seconds as they run towards you before taking a picture, your subject would no longer be within that focus range that you camera originally picked up. However, if you were to half-press the shutter button on them in continuous focus mode, as they run towards you the camera will continually adjust it’s focus based on the original focus point you chose, i.e. the eye of the person running towards you. So no matter how long you wait between the half-press and the full press, your image will be in focus.

► Automatic Focus Mode

Auto Focus (AF-A) on Nikon & Sony • AI Focus AF on Canon

Automatic focus mode, or autofocus, is used as an easy, go-to focus mode. In this mode, your camera decides whether the subject you are focusing on is moving or not, and will switch between continuous and single focus accordingly. You will have slightly less control over your focus, especially if your subject is moving faster than your camera is calibrating, but it's a great set-and-forget auto function, especially if you don't have time to switch between the other options.

► Manual Focus Mode

Manual Focus (M) on Nikon & Sony • Manual on Canon

Using manual focus mode is a little fiddly, and isn't usually the best choice for portraits. If you have live view on the back screen of your camera, it's best to use this when focusing manually. Compose your shot then zoom in on the screen to the point you'd like to focus on. Switch your lens to manual mode using the switch on the lens itself. Your lens will have a focus ring somewhere which you can turn in both directions to adjust your focus. As you twist it you should see your focal plane shifting across your image. Once you're happy with your focus, simply press the shutter button to take your shot.

So if manual focus isn't much good for portraits, then when would we use it? Well it's perfect for landscapes and other stationary subjects that will allow you to take your time and compose correctly. It comes in handy when you want to do macro style close-ups too, or even galaxy or moon photos, as autofocus has a lot of trouble 'grabbing onto' a point to focus on in these situations.

And that's it! You've taken your first steps toward understanding a crucial aspect of capturing great photos. Remember, every photographer starts somewhere, and by delving into the world of focus modes, you've gained a solid foundation for improving your photography skills. Keep practicing, experimenting, and don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way. With time and experience, you'll develop an intuitive grasp of focus modes, allowing you to take more captivating and memorable pictures.

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