How to Use Focal Points in Digital Photography

by admin on Feb. 28, 2011, under Photography Tips

The next time you take your digital camera out and line up shot of a pause before pressing the shutter button and ask yourself:

“What is the focal point in this picture?”

Some other ways to ask the same question might include – What is the central point of interest? What will draw the attention of viewers in this picture? What makes this image stand out from others? What is my topic? The reason for a focal point that is important is that when we look at an image of the eye usually needs a “resting place” or something of interest to really hold. Without it, you’ll find people just look at their photos and then move to the next.

Once you have identified a point of interest or focal point, then you must ask how we can improve.
6 Techniques for improving the Focal Point in a picture

A focal point can be almost anything, from a person, a building, a mountain, a flower, etc. Obviamente, the most interesting focal point for the better – but there are other things you can do to improve your power, including:

  • * Position – Place it in a prominent position – you may want to start with the rule of thirds for some ideas.
    • * Focus – Learn how to use depth of field to blur other issues in front of or behind its focal point.
    • * Blur – If you really want to get complicated you might want to play with shutter speeds slower if the focus is and things move around.
    • * Size – what the focal point of great size is not the only way to be important – but it can certainly help.
    • * Color – use of contrasting colors can also be a way to establish the point of interest in addition to its surroundings.
    • * Shape – similar shapes and contrasting textures can make a subject stand out – especially the recurring patterns around a theme.

Note that a combination of above items can work well together. Finally – do not confuse the viewer with too many competing focal points that can overwhelm the main focal point. Secondary variables of interest may be useful to guide the eye, but just too strong disorder and confusion.