Defocus


It’s easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees.
We’re capable of seeing a lot of detail. Sometimes detail is distracting. Eliminating it can help us see fundamentals more clearly.
Here’s a quick way to make sure the foundations of your compositions are strong.
1    Frame an image.
2    Defocus the camera. Defocus enough to lose sight
of the details (line and texture) but not the broader com- position (light and dark, color, shape).
3    Refine the composition. Move the camera or zoom.
4 Refocus.
5 Expose.
Images that contain well-rendered detail without a solid compositional structure often appear cluttered and confusing. Develop the habit of slowing down and taking the time to make sure your compositions are as strong as they can be.
Find more online resources here.
Learn more in my digital photography workshops.