Back Button Focusing is one of the awesome techniques I learned at the Pixel Fairy Princess workshop in Dallas a couple of weeks ago. I’ve mentioned it a couple of times, but haven’t really explained it yet. Sometimes it’s called Auto-Focus lock.
On cameras supporting this feature, you will find a button which sets the focus when you press it. On my Olympus E-Volt 500, this button says “AEL/AFL.” Other cameras use asterisks or “AF-On”
Think about this. The way most of us use our cameras, we press the shutter button down half-way to lock the exposure and the auto-focus. Separating the focus from the exposure is a good thing so that you can focus, then compose your shot, and finally measure exposure and shoot all as the last step.
Why is this a good thing?
- First off, you can shoot more quickly. That’s always a plus when shooting your kids!
- And, you can get more creative composition. You know that rule of thirds that says that the focal point of your picture shouldn’t be in the middle, but at the intersection of lines dividing your photo into thirds horizontally and vertically? It’s hard to manage that and set good focus at the same time. Especially if your camera measures focus in the center of the lens like mine does.
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- Instead, use the back button to set focus first.
- Then, move your camera to recompose your shot.
- Finally, press the shutter button.
- Using this method, you can take as many photos of your subject as you like, without being worried that your camera will try to reset the focus onto the background if your subject moves just a bit.
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- Motion shots? Back Button Focus helps here too. If your subject is moving but is staying about the same distance from you, use the button to set the focus, then press the shutter button to meter exposure and shoot. This allows for a quicker picture because the camera isn’t constantly re-focusing.
- Shooting at an event like a concert or a sporting event where someone might come between you and your subject from time to time? If you have locked your focus with this button, your camera won’t focus on the intruder and then re-focus on the subject
How do you configure your camera to use the back button focus button? My best advice would be to consult your camera’s owners manual. On my camera, I use the Custom Settings Menu and the AEL/AFL submenu. On your camera, AEL and AFL might be separate functions, unlike mine.
Now, I have to say that shooting like this feels crazy at first. It definitely takes some getting used to. And I know that my husband will miss some good shots when he uses our camera until he gets it figured out. Also, some cameras don’t allow the BBF to function in the Auto mode, so be prepared to make the big leap!
Take my word for it – it is worth it to make the transition!
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