For street and wildlife photographers, the subjects are constantly moving, making it hard to focus. Newer camera models have features like subject recognition, AI tracking, and animal Eye AF, etc. However, if you are using older models like DSLRs or entry-level mirrorless cameras, here are some tips for you:
1. Back Button Focus
Disconnect Autofocusing from the Shutter Button
The default setting is to press the shutter release button halfway to focus. However, there is a risk of the shutter not firing because the camera can’t lock focus or it takes too long to focus.
To ensure you won’t miss important shots due to refocusing, you can assign the focus function to the AF-ON button on the back of the camera, leaving the shutter button solely for capturing the image.
2. Continuous shooting mode
When you’re capturing moving subjects, switch to burst mode. This will let you take 10-15 photos per second.
At the same time, use your thumb to press the AF-ON button, also known as the back button. Don’t forget to adjust your composition while you’re doing this.
This way, you can keep the focus locked on your subject, even if they’re moving, without having to press the shutter button halfway first.
3. Hold your camera properly
When you shoot handheld, you need to use your body to keep the camera steady.
Keep your elbows close to your body to stabilize the camera. Then, slowly turn your body while moving the camera. This will help avoid blurry photos.
Even though animals move in unpredictable ways, you can still guess where they might go. Move the camera to follow the subject. This will keep the animal sharp and in focus. Then, you can choose your favorite shot later.
How to set up back button focus?
It will be different for each brand and model. In general, you need to set it up from the camera’s menu first.
Canon
Go to Custom Controls Menu via the Quick menu:
Step 1 – Set the function of the “Shutter button half-press” to “Metering start”.
Step 2 – Choose the AF-On symbol and set it to “Metering and AF Start”
Nikon
Go to Autofocus submenu via Custom Settings Menu:
Step 1 – select AF activation
Step 2 – select AF-ON only (AE-L/AF-L for older models)
Sony
Go to Custom Setting via Menu:
Step 1 – AF w/Shutter OFF
You are all set! Now you have a dedicated button for Autofocus. Your index finger can relax until the right moment to take the shot.