How to Focus on an Off-Center Subject With a Digital Camera

The main advantage of a digital camera is the ability to know whether you captured the photograph as desired before getting it printed. You can take the picture repeatedly until it's just right and then delete the bad ones. However, one frequent problem with digital cameras is that the auto-focus only targets the centered subject, and sometimes you want an off-centered subject to be the focal point of the photograph. Follow these simple steps and you will be able to compose great pictures with a digital camera that have the focus on an off-centered subject.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Place the subject that you want in focus in the center of the viewfinder.
2. Press the shutter button halfway down so that it locks focus on the centered subject automatically and hold the button at that position. Most digital cameras have indicators on the viewfinder, such as red lights, that show the position of the frame's focal point.
3. Reposition your camera for the photograph composition you desire, without releasing the shutter button. The now off-center subject should remain in focus.
4. Finish the photograph by pressing the shutter button down the rest of the way. The digital camera should capture the photo with your subject off-center but in focus.

Tips & Warnings

• It may not work perfectly the first time, but keep trying until you obtain the desired composition for your photo. With practice, this skill should become second nature.
• Zoom prior to locking the focus. Most cameras won't allow you to zoom once you are holding down the shutter button.
• Focusing on a subject closest to you in the viewfinder will keep background subjects somewhat sharp. However, focusing on the background will only blur objects closer to you. Adjust your position accordingly to obtain the desired picture composition.

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