How would I focus/compose this shot?

I was taking a few pictures of a friend yesterday and she wanted full body pictures. I would use the top left focus point, but it would cut off her feet. How would I be able to use a focus point to include the whole body? I know I could use the top focus point and everything would be included, but I'm trying to use the rule of thirds a little bit more. I'm horrible at manual focusing so that's a no for now.

Example in paint:

I use the center focus point only with my 20D and use the focus/recompose technique as I have for decades with film cameras which typically had a focus aid in the center of the viewfinder.

As long as you are not really close to the subject and thus don't move the camera through a tremendous angular change to do the focusing relative to the intended framing, there's usually not a problem. The key is to use a focusing target that's at the same distance from the camera as the plane on the sensor that you want at the sharpest even if that target isn't actually the primary subject. That can help you minimize the angular shift from intended framing to focusing.

Skip pretty much nailed it. After you achieve focus, re-compose you shot

There are times when you just have to step back and shoot loose, then crop the image to your liking during post processing..

This is a tried and trusted method I've used for decades for the simple reason the ratio of sides for 35mm aren't the same as 10x8 inch paper..

I never focus and recompose..

You don't mention what body or lens you are using, so here's a couple thoughts.

If you have a body with Live View, you could use Live View which I believe allows you a little more flexibility in focus point as you can moxe it more precisely.

If using a zoom, you could back it down some. Or simply take a step back.

I normally get the focus point as close as possible to where I actually want it and go from there.

Focus using the point which cuts off her feet, then recompose - it might be an idea once you achieve focus to flick your camera into MF, because mine tends to try to focus again after I move... I think that should work.

C.Michael wrote in post #11035215
Focus using the point which cuts off her feet, then recompose - it might be an idea once you achieve focus to flick your camera into MF, because mine tends to try to focus again after I move... I think that should work.

Sounds like you have your focus set on AI Servo..

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm using a T2i, and I was using the 50mm f/1.8.


When in live view, does it only focus on the center point?

yogestee wrote in post #11035252
Sounds like you have your focus set on AI Servo..

Your probabaly right, it only did it once - so maybe I forgot to change it...

YAH00 wrote in post #11035350
Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm using a T2i, and I was using the 50mm f/1.8.

When in live view, does it only focus on the center point?

I am also using a 550D. In live view, use the directional pad to choose where you want the box. Then press the little zoom button just below your mode dial. You can zoom right in, and either MF or use AF.

But from experience, the AF on the nifty fifty is TERRIBLE.

C.Michael wrote in post #11035576
Your probabaly right, it only did it once - so maybe I forgot to change it...

I am also using a 550D. In live view, use the directional pad to choose where you want the box. Then press the little zoom button just below your mode dial. You can zoom right in, and either MF or use AF.

But from experience, the AF on the nifty fifty is TERRIBLE.

Wow, I never knew that you could move the box around in live view. Just did a little test in my bathroom, looks like I'll be using it more often.

YAH00 wrote in post #11035650
Wow, I never knew that you could move the box around in live view. Just did a little test in my bathroom, looks like I'll be using it more often.

Yeah it works a treat, I don't like using it in full screen mode though, as the box is too big and sometimes it misses focus - when you zoom the screen though, the focus is spot on!

Turn the focusing ring. Having autofocus doesn't make you unable to do something yourself.

Of course if you are in a Live View situation, you can work with that.

For active scenes, I use the rear button for focus and an off-center point. So, I'll focus like image #1, let off the focus button, recompose to #2, then take the shot -- works as advertised.