Tutorial - Focussing in the Dark | Light Painting Photography - light-paint.com

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Tutorial - Focussing in the Dark

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Getting the focus right in a dark location can be difficult, especially for those who are new to light painting. Auto-focus won't work in the dark, the camera will search before the shutter opens but generally won't lock on. When focussing manually on a dark subject (or even a subject that doesn't exist until you open the open shutter and wave your lights around) a wild stab in the dark (excuse the pun) just won't do. This tutorial takes you through three techniques to help you get the focus right every time!

Get the settings right

Focus is only half the story, your camera needs to be set up properly to take good light painting photos. Luckily we have a tutorial for this too! View the Basic Camera Settings Tutorial now

Things you will need...

A torch or flashlight
Optional - Flashgun with Auto-focus Assist light

Contents - The Three Techniques

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Technique 1 - Using Auto-focus

Although there are a few steps, the first technique is probably the easiest and is the one I generally use when light painting. This technique allows the auto-focus to function by illuminating the subject.

Step 1 - Set up your camera

Get your camera set up and decide upon the framing for your shot. Position any fixed subject objects within the frame. Take note of any mid-ground objects in the frame.

Step 2 - Set Auto-Focus

Switch your camera to auto-focus. Your camera may start searching for something to focus on, but the likelihood is nothing will be found in the dark. Set your cameras auto-focus setting to Spot and select the centre spot if neccessary.

Step 3 - Illuminate the scene

Take your flashlight and light up the area in the centre of the scene, directly behind the centre focus spot in your viewfinder. You may need to move the camera around slightly to ensure the centre spot is lined up with the subject - The camera can be moved back once you have focussed.

Step 4 - Focus

Once the centre spot is lined up and the subject is lit go ahead and lock in the focus. Usually lightly pressing the shutter button will lock in the focus.

Step 5 - Switch to Manual

Now with the focus locked in, switch your camera to manual focus. You don't want the camera to start searching again when you open the shutter, so switching to manual will avoid this. Be careful not to knock or move your focus ring.

Step 6 - Start shooting!

As manual focus is selected your focus won't change so get shooting! Don't forget that if you move the camera or change the focal length on a zoom lens you'll need to refocus.

Technique Two - Focussing Manually

The second technique can be a little bit more tricy if you're not used to manual focus but be very quick once you get the hang of it.

Step 1 - Set up your camera

Get your camera set up and decide upon the framing for your shot. Position any fixed subject objects within the frame. Take note of any mid-ground objects in the frame.

Step 2 - Set Manual-Focus

Switch your camera to manual-focus.

Step 3 - Illuminate the scene

Take your flashlight and light up your scene.

Step 4 - Focus

While you are illuminating your scene look through the viewfinder or use live view. Adjust the focus until you are happy.

Step 5 - Start shooting!

As manual focus is selected your focus won't change so get shooting! Don't forget that if you move the camera or change the focal length on a zoom lens you'll need to refocus.

Technique Three - Assisted Auto-Focus

The third technique is by far the easiest, however it will only work for subjects that are close to your camera. A camera or flashgun with an auto-focus assist lamp is required.

Step 1 - Set up your camera

Get your camera set up and decide upon the framing for your shot. Position any fixed subject objects within the frame. Take note of any mid-ground objects in the frame.

Step 2 - Using the Assist Lamp

If your camera has a built in assist lamp you don't need to do anything else. If you are using a flashgun attach the flashgun to your camera, ensuring the lamp will point at your subject.

Step 3 - Focus!

With your camera set to auto-focus lightly press the shutter button to lock in the focus. If your subject is close enough your camera should focus without any problem. If your camera can't lock on you will have to use one of the other techniques above.

Step 4 - Switch to Manual (optional)

If you are moving any objects or using a flashgun you will probably want to switch to manual focus now to ensure the camera doesn't search for focus again. You can remove the flashgun if you wish.

Step 5 - Start shooting!

As manual focus is selected your focus won't change so get shooting! Don't forget that if you move the camera or change the focal length on a zoom lens you'll need to refocus.