Focus: Your Precision and Edge

Focus: The Art of the Intentional Strike

Most people think Focus is about what you are looking at, but in reality, it’s about everything you’ve finally chosen to ignore. | Photo: TJ Waller

Focus: Go "F" Yourself (What You Choose to Ignore)

    In my introductory post to The TGIF Method of Photography, I wrote, "Most people think Focus is about what you are looking at, but in reality, it’s about everything you’ve finally chosen to ignore. Let that sink in. Everything you have finally chosen to ignore. Everything you do from here on out.... is intentional."

    In this post, that is what we are going to break down into its most basic elements.

Beyond the Obvious

    I realize "focusing" seems like a knee-jerk reaction. Point, focus, shoot. Right? Well... yes and no. We all know that, "Duh - if you can't get your camera to focus on your subject, then you just aren't going to get the shot." Thank you Captain Obvious. But in photography - like a lot of other things, focus way beyond just the mechanics of your lens's manual or auto focus capabilities.

A tiny Tufted Titmouse with a Sunflower see on a windy day |Photo: TJ Waller

The Obvious

    But let's jump on the obvious first, since it is important. And the reason I will cover this here, is because so many of my students and clients don't yet know anything about their camera's focusing system or their lens' focusing buttons.

Your Camera

    All professional model bodies have an internal focusing system that consists of focusing methods and focus points (called Autofocus points). I usually guide my students to YouTube at this point just because the videos they can find about AF points for their particular cameras are free, and are something they can return to time and time again if they forget. I honestly feel like I'm stealing your money if I don't mention this. I mean, why pay me for something that you can easily learn on your own.

    Now, if you have a hard time learning that way, and would much rather have me teach that to you, then of course I will. But either way, if you don't know what your camera has in the way of focus points and how to use and move them, then that is where you need to start.

    Here are some other topics you can look up on YouTube to put you ahead of the game:

1. Back Button Focus: Using a dedicated button on the back of your camera to focus instead of using the shutter button. Why is this important? BBF is how you maintain your edge on a fast-moving subject while your trigger finger is on the shutter taking the photos!
2. Continuous Autofocus (AF-C / AI Servo): Look this up to understand how your camera tracks movement. It’s the engine that keeps your subject sharp as it flies across the sky.
3. Focus Area Modes: Learn the difference between "Single Point" and "Group/Zone" focus. This is how you take control of the precision, ensuring that you focus on the subjects eyes and not an ear or nose.

Not So Obvious

    Now let's head in to the "not so obvious."

    In any venue, chaos is everywhere. A tangled thicket of mangroves, a sky full of distracting clouds, a busy shoreline, or an adrenaline filled stadium full of fans. This is where Focus shifts from a camera setting to a mental discipline.

Mental Focus: The Intentional Strike

    Remember: Mental Focus is about everything you’ve finally chosen to ignore. You only hear what you need to hear; you only see what you need to see. Nothing. Else. Matters.

Locked onto the target. Me and the Osprey! | Photo: TJ Waller

    When you’re tracking an Osprey diving for a fish, you aren't 'looking' at the bird—you’ve already decided the water, the trees, and the other birds don't exist. Your precision is locked on that one eye. Your edge is knowing exactly when the bird is about to break the surface. You’ve filtered out the world until only the strike remains.

    Mental focus is a discipline that needs constant nurture. Yeah, it's kind of a "zen" thing, but not to the extent you'll sequester yourself to some mountain top monastery. Unless, of course, you're there to get some awesome photos! It's part of my training that I can only lead you to. You have to "walk through the door" so to speak and consciously continue to practice on your own.

    I consider Focus another superpower. Once you start really "getting" it and are "in the zone," you will notice your photos transform into something amazing!

A Swallow-tailed Kite in-flight meal | Photo: TJ Waller

Now Go "F" Yourself!

    Technique is your foundation, Gear is your tool, and Invisibility is your cloak—but Focus is your precision and your edge. When you bring these four elements together and "F" yourself (focus yourself), you stop being a spectator with a camera and start being a creator of moments. You aren't just "getting lucky" with a shot; you are executing that intentional strike. Whether you’re deep in the Florida mangroves or on the sidelines of a championship game, the TGIF method is what separates the snapshots from the masterpieces.

Now that you have the roadmap, it’s time to come find your zone.

Ready to find your edge?

• See the TGIF Method in Action: Head over to my portfolio at TJ Waller Photography to see how I put my TGIF principles to work for my own photos.

• Level Up Your Skills: If you're ready to "walk through the door" and master these disciplines yourself, book a session on my Classes Page.