Digital Photography - Focus on Objects Not in your Viewfinder's Center

SUMMARY: How can you apply the 'rule of thirds' if the middle of your viewfinder or LCD is what's in focus?

Many photographers recommend the "rule of thirds" whereby a photograph's subject is not in the center of the composition, but rather one-third to the left or right.

However, when you take photographs, normally the digital camera focuses on what is in the center of the composition frame, placing it in focus. How then can you make the subject of your photo, which is not supposed to be in the center, the focus?

Here are two ways to do this:

1) Flexible focus point

Some digital cameras have configuration options that let you focus on what is to the left, right, above, or below the center. Some even let you manually move the focal point to any area of the image. Check your digital camera's manual for details.

2) Focus lock and move your camera

If you are using auto-focus, as you place the subject in the middle of your composition frame (either the viewfinder or LCD screen), press on the shutter button but only keep it pressed halfway down. This will cause the digital camera to focus lock on the subject (you might hear a beep or see a graphic on your digital camera's LCD or electronic viewfinder alerting you to that affect).

Now, move your camera so that the subject is no longer in the center of the frame, and then fully press the shutter button down to take your picture.

DO NOT release the shutter button as you move your camera, else it will focus on what is now in the center of the frame, not your desired composition subject.