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Focus in photography is not just about making sharp subject or be able to clearly see the elements in the image.

The focus can highlight portions of an image, make it penetrable by the viewer and create an emotional connection with the latter '.

No matter what your ideal type of photography, the correct focus can help you dramatically improve the quality (and not just technical) of your images.

Portraits

The number one rule to follow when taking portraits is this: "to focus the eyes" (of course, every rule is an 'exception). Since ancient times human beings recognize one another and communicate via a main way, the view and then with the closely related organs: eyes. With our eyes communicate anger, pain, joy, love and so on.

Of course you can choose to focus on the nose or ears of your subject (as when you shoot your dog for example), but nothing captures the 'viewer's attention better than a good pair of eyes focused on a blurred background.

How? Use for larger apertures (f/2.8 or lower values ​​if your camera allows it), longer focal lengths (50mm and up), and approach the subject as possible.

Landscapes / architectures

In the photos of landscapes and nature photographs, the tendency is to focus as many elements as possible. The purpose is to give all 'observer a sense of size and scale.

To do this you need to have clear concepts of depth of field , namely the portion of the image that will appear in sharp focus.

When a photograph of all the elements are in focus, the 'care of' observer focuses on the predominant elements of composition As a thick line, large patches of color, and the points of intersection of the rule of thirds.

From these key points, the 'observer moves to' internal 'image as a virtual traveler who explores every single element of photography

In the photo above, for example the 'attention is initially captured from the base of the trail to continue up to the clouds above and then continue on the curved profile of the mountain.

How to get this kind of photography? Used a reduced opening (f/11 or higher values), focused on an intermediate point of the 'image (the' ideal would be the first third from the bottom of 'shot) and possibly use a tripod, since the decrease of the diameter of diaphragm, to obtain a photo well exposed is necessary to increase the exposure time ..

Macro Photography

Macros are photographs taken at a distance very small, and which show very small details that the naked eye does not risalterebbero. Macro photography requires patience and experience before they can achieve significant results, because this type of photography is that it provides better test the skills of photographers.

Besides the great amount of detail that can bring light, Macro photography is characterized by a shallow depth of field (in the 'order of a few millimeters).

This shallow depth of field is usually generated by the short distance between the 'camera lens and the subject of the photograph (some centimeters).

So with macro photography is a constant struggle to obtain images that are as focused as possible.

How to solve this problem? use your macro lens, or set your camera in macro mode, you can approach the maximum (until able to focus - in macro mode you should use the manual focus ) And use the 'smallest aperture you can (f / 8, f/11 or more). Small openings and small distances from the subject are reflected instantly in a drop in brightness of the scene, so use a tripod or values ISO more (attention always that the subject, such as a flower, is not moved by the wind).

Portraits environmental (situational)

This type of photography is a mixture between fotoritratto and environmental and landscape photography.

The 'idea is to create photographs that depict a subject (mostly human) was added to an environment that exerts its functions and adds information.

There are different types of approaches to this photograph, but the norm is to focus the 'attention on the person who wants to portray.

If we want to keep the background in focus or not, depends on the elements that compose it and if you want to emphasize to them or not ..

Since these are not portraits "Close-Up" (close), it is necessary to focus on your subject's eyes.

How to get these photos? Use average opening (f / 4, f/5.6, f / 8), and a short focal distance to include the largest number of elements of the background and a high shutter speed to freeze the subject of the portrait.

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