Focus

One of the most important creative aspects to photography is focus. Artistic images consider the impact of focus beyond whether or not the subject is simply blurry or sharp. Focus is ultimately a technique that can be used to drive the observer of the image toward the subject the photographer desires to emphasize. Notice in this photo the various techniques that were used to focus on the subject. This can be done with focal length (aperture) to cause the background to blur, with light and shadow use to drive the eyes toward the desired location in the frame, or even use of framing or leading lines with objects in the photo. Next time you pick up a camera consider the story you are trying to convey and use focus techniques to help your viewer see what you want them to see in the picture without distractions.

Consider what focus looks like in the Christian life. Our fixation and our focus of life needs to be on Christ alone (Hebrews 12:2). By “fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith” we will find that as Christ our eyes will be fixed on the joy set before us and our eyes will move off of ourselves and our own problems in life. Maybe in your own life picture this will involve reducing distractions or possibly framing your view differently or even focusing your own internal “focal length” so closely on Him through time in prayer that the rest of life begins to blur and reduce in importance compared to Him.

Hopefully this small illustration will help you some with your photography focus techniques but more importantly with life focus!