The Importance of Focus in Images

[Terry Runion]

Have you ever been in the right place at the right time, and that
killer shot was there waiting for you? You take the shot, and leave
that right place with a great feeling that you just got that shot of
your life, and you know, there will be no other chance for the stars to
align like this again, so you strut off into the sunset knowing this is
your money shot, the shot that will make you famous!

In the old days, you would go back to the darkroom, develop your film,
then make a contact sheet ( If you have never heard of a contact sheet
it was a print of your film negatives placed on a sheet of photographic
paper , you did this as not to waste materials, and print only the best
shot(s) from your set of negatives) The whole process was
perhaps two hours, so some investment in time, right?

So here you are, just spent two hours in the darkroom, or in
today's world , you may have spent some time on the computer, and you
pull up that money shot, you are ready to start shooting for magazines,
your mind is filled with visions of grandeur, you look at that killer
shot, only to see it is out of focus! How could this happen? Your
visions of grandeur quickly turn to despair and disappointment.
That great shot, has now become pretty much useless. While
there are some things you can do to sharpen the image, it is never
quite as you saw it when you shot it.

Here are some quick tips I have picked up along the way, you may not
use all of them, but even if you use a few it will help you get that
money shot!

The first one, is get yourself a camera grip. The camera grip I use is a Hakuba, and I can never remember the name when someone asks, since it is an odd name.

The grip attaches to your camera's tripod connection, and creates a grip, so when your hand is in the grip it steadies your hand, and your camera. This device works like a champ when you are shooting hand held. When shooting with this grip,
I always try and find a location to lean on or place my legs in such a
way that my body is very steady.

Sometimes I use the grip in conjunction with a mono pod. A mono pod is a
long stick like object that extends and adjusts to the height you need
it to be. I like using the mono pod since it is easy to carry and the
one I have attaches to my camera bag. The only problem I find with
this, is I usually keep the mono pod extended and have to be careful
not to run into people with it. Nothin like smacking an onlooker with
the mono pod, lets just say they usually don't like it.

The next level would be to use a tripod. Tripod's come in a variety is sizes and weights, depending on usage. My recommendation would be to purchase a high quality tripod , the extra money you spend will be well worth it! I
have had my bogen tripod for about 25 years now, and it is still going
strong! The only thing I really don't like about tripods is you have to
lug them around so I don't lug it too much unless I am shooting low
light, or at night, my preference is the mono pod , but everyone is
different. Having said that it is always in the trunk of my car should
I need it.

Finally there are a ton of accessories like carrying cases, different types of tripod heads, and attachments to fit just about any need you may have. There are even small tripods with
flexible legs that can wrap around a pole and be used to shoot with and
additional camera . I have a blog about shooting with an additional
camera and tripod over at www.digitalgranny.com, so if you
are interested in that check out that blog.

In closing there really is no magic formula to using any of the devices above, but just to USE them, and when you are composing the shot take your time, and be sure the focus is spot on. In the end your images will be sharp, and in
focus and you will have that money shot, well actually the rest depends
on you! Enjoy