Focus Modes for Surf Photography

Ben Pascoe

11 months ago

focus modes for surf photography

Focus modes are an important part of getting a sharp, in focus surf photo.

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Depending on your camera brand, you’ll need to find the equivalent of continuous auto focus.

This page on borrowlenses.com shows you how to change the focus modes on Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras, with excerpts taken directly from the user manuals of each brand.

Mastering Focus Modes for Surf Photography

Focusing is a crucial aspect of surf photography, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects like surfers riding waves. In surf photography, choosing the right focus mode can make or break your shot, ensuring that your images are sharp and in focus.

Understanding Focus Modes for Surf Photography

Focus modes determine how your camera focuses on subjects. There are three main focus modes that are particularly relevant to surf photography:

Single-Shot AF (AF-S): This mode locks the focus on the subject when you press the shutter button halfway. This mode is not ideal for surf photography as it doesn’t continuously track moving subjects.
Continuous AF (AF-C): This mode continuously adjusts the focus as you track a moving subject. This is the most recommended focus mode for surf photography.
Manual Focus (MF): In manual focus mode, you manually adjust the focus ring on your lens to achieve the desired focus. This mode requires practice and experience, but it can provide more control over your focus.

Choosing the Right Focus Mode for Surf Photography

For surf photography, continuous autofocus (AF-C) is the go-to focus mode. It ensures that your camera continuously tracks and focuses on the surfer, even as they move through the waves. This mode is essential for capturing sharp and in-focus images of surfers in action.

Additional Tips for Sharp Surf Photos

In addition to choosing the right focus mode, here are some additional tips for capturing sharp surf photos:

Use the center focus point: When starting out, use the center focus point as it is the most reliable and easiest to control.
Anticipate the surfer’s movement: Try to predict where the surfer will be and pre-focus on that spot.
Use a small focus area: A small focus area will help to keep the background out of focus and isolate the surfer.
Half-press the shutter button: Half-pressing the shutter button locks the focus on your subject, even if you continue to move the camera.
Practice and experiment: With practice, you’ll develop a better understanding of how to use focus modes effectively in surf photography. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to see what works best for you.

Conclusion

Focus modes are an essential part of surf photography. By understanding the different focus modes and choosing the right one for your situation, you can capture stunning images of surfers in action. With practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to master focus modes and take your surf photography to the next level.

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