Focusing Off-Centre - Exposure/Focus Lock
As preached, it is often less boring to compose frames with subjects that are off-centre. However some automatic cameras only focus subjects which are in the middle, which may pose as a problem for our off-centred subjects.
One way to counter this, is to exploit the 'Exposure/Focus Lock' feature found in most cameras. Most cameras employ a 2 step shutter-release button. Depress with slight pressure on the shutter-release button, and the camera will be focused on the subject in the centre, when more pressure is applied, the shutter goes off and the shot is taken.
The trick then, is to compose your subject first, in the centre of the frame. Slightly depress the shutter-release button to focus on the subject, then move the subject off-centre (probably at one of the thirds,) while the button is depressed. This ensures that your subject is focused properly, and yet well placed in the frame. Finally, depress on the button fully to finish the shot.
Having said that, not all cameras have the same way of activating the Exposure/Focus Lock. They may also appear as Exposure Lock and Focus Lock separately in some cameras. However, by and large the Exposure and Focus Locks do come together.
There you go! I found this tip to be really useful most of the time. Hope it'll be useful for you too.
One way to counter this, is to exploit the 'Exposure/Focus Lock' feature found in most cameras. Most cameras employ a 2 step shutter-release button. Depress with slight pressure on the shutter-release button, and the camera will be focused on the subject in the centre, when more pressure is applied, the shutter goes off and the shot is taken.
The trick then, is to compose your subject first, in the centre of the frame. Slightly depress the shutter-release button to focus on the subject, then move the subject off-centre (probably at one of the thirds,) while the button is depressed. This ensures that your subject is focused properly, and yet well placed in the frame. Finally, depress on the button fully to finish the shot.
 With exposure locked on the lamppost. Everything is unexposed. |  The same shot, with exposure locked centre of the frame |
Having said that, not all cameras have the same way of activating the Exposure/Focus Lock. They may also appear as Exposure Lock and Focus Lock separately in some cameras. However, by and large the Exposure and Focus Locks do come together.
There you go! I found this tip to be really useful most of the time. Hope it'll be useful for you too.
