How to Film Using Autofocus, Rack Focus and Manual Focus Techniques

For photographers used to looking through their camera’s viewfinder to compose and shoot photographs, shooting video may take a little getting used to because it uses Live View on the camera’s LCD display.

To focus using Autofocus, simply choose your AF area mode and AF focus mode.

To focus the camera in Live View, using AF, simply frame up your shot, and press the shutter button half way down. When the red box turns green, your subject is in focus.

For the more adventurous, you can also manually focus the camera by switching the AF button on the side of the camera from AF to M. Remember to check your camera’s User’s Manual for instructions on its particular menu navigation and dial layout.

Rack Focus or Pulling Focus Technique

One of the techniques that Hollywood cinematographers employ often is the rack focus or focus pull. This is where one subject in a scene (foreground or background) is in focus and gradually the focus changes to another subject in the scene. This is a technique that allows the cinematographer to put a dramatic emphasis on one subject and then change that emphasis to another. It is often done in scenes where there is dramatic dialog between characters.

To do this, choose one subject to focus on. Say the subject in the foreground. Focus on that subject and then slowly and smoothly turn the focus ring on the lens barrel until the subject in the background becomes sharp.

Third-party Focus Assist Accessories

There are a variety of accessories made by third-party companies that help you focus the HDSLR when shooting video.

One of these is the Loupe or Finder. A Loupe attaches to the camera, covering the LCD so you can bring the camera to your eye as if you were using the viewfinder to frame your scenes. Different loupes offer different variations of magnification to help you see and focus accurately.

Another accessory is the External Monitor. This is often helpful to use when you are shooting video with one person operating the camera and another person who also needs to see the footage as it is being captured. An external monitor can also be useful for the videographer who wants to view the scene unfolding before his camera on a larger display than the built-in LCD.

A third accessory is a Follow Focus system that will attach to the lens and allow the camera operator to more easily control the motion of the rack focus.

Remember to check your HDSLR camera’s User’s Manual for instructions on its particular menu navigation and dial layout.

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John Keatley's Classes

John Keatley - Lighting The Keatley Way 5/28 9am-6pm

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Lights, camera, action! John is known for his beautiful lighting, and ability to pull intriguing emotion and expression out of his subjects. This class will be a good mix of instruction as well as hands opportunities with lighting. John will be doing a live shoot. He will break down how he lights his portraits, as well as some detailed instruction on how his favorite modifiers work. You will come out of this experience with the confidence and knowledge of how to light the way you have always dreamed of. Some of the more precise details of what this will entail are: Studio lighting, location lighting, ideas to reality, understanding light, understanding different modifiers, working with a crew, photographing people, production value, and much more! Plus, we will be in the Bahamas... So there is that! Learn More

John Keatley - Marketing With The Big Boys 5/29 9am-6pm

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Synopsis: This class is about creating a solid foundation for your brand that will last your entire career. You will learn how to market yourself and your work in a way that is true and honest to you and your brand. How to stay in the game for the long haul, and most importantly, how to land those dream assignments you have been hoping to shoot. Come ready to rack John’s brain with all of your pressing questions. If you have seen John speak before, you know he is an open book, and he will be completely honest with you. He’s been at this for over twelve years, and has built something pretty great. You can too. The industry focus for this class will be commercial photography (editorial, advertising, corporate), although the principles you will learn in this class apply to any business. So if you’re looking to change paths, or just become even more of a rockstar at what you are already doing, don’t miss this. Some of the finer details that will be covered include: branding, collaborating, marketing, what to charge, when to get a rep, bidding, leverage, shooting personal work, making your brand unique, social media, and much more. Plus, we will be in the Bahamas... So there is that! Learn More

John Keatley - Find Your Style 5/31 9am-1pm

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One of the most frequent questions photographers ask is "How do you find your style?" The answer may not be as difficult as you think, but there are many things to consider before you begin your quest to discover this out for yourself. In this class, you will learn how to tap into who you are as a photographer, and how to create images in a way that are uniquely you. You will leave this class with a new excitement about your photography, and a plan of action on how you create the images you have always dreamed of...even if you don't know what that is just yet.

John will cover everything from the basics to the finer details that well established working photographers need to adhere to in creating a well recognized brand. If you are just starting out, or even if you have been at it for a while, this class is a great investment in yourself and your career. Learn More

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John Keatley

John Keatley has swapped photography stories with Annie Leibovitz, taken geography lessons from Sarah Palin, and learned to craft the perfect cocktail with the best bartender in the country. He’ll climb a tree, fight off a snow monster, or bury someone in kitty litter; all in the name of getting the perfect shot, and that’s just before breakfast. John is known for putting even the most camera-shy individual completely at ease in front of the lens. His quick sense of humor and down-to-earth outlook are what allow him to connect with his subjects and create dramatic images.

His celebrity photography and editorial projects are balanced with his work on international awareness campaigns, such as a recent trip to Liberia to work on a clean water initiative. John’s work is regularly recognized for awards, including American Photography, the PDN, and Communication Arts Photography Annuals.

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