MODULE 3: Mobile Phone Content Creation
Study the content below.
LESSON 301: Focus
This will give you:
A solid understanding of the standards and practices of leading news agencies.
Once complete, move on to Lesson 302.
IN THIS LESSON
🎥 Capture Professional Video: Learn when to leverage autofocus for speed and tracking, and when to master manual focus for creative control and overcoming limitations.
MANUAL IS YOUR FRIEND
Mastering manual settings is paramount for achieving visual storytelling excellence in professional video production. They give us the ability to ensure the footage aligns perfectly with our creative vision.
Stay Focused
Autofocus, while convenient, can hinder professional video production, especially in gender-focused storytelling, for several reasons:
🚫 Loss of Creative Control: Autofocus systems can be unpredictable, often focusing on the wrong subject or "hunting" for focus, which distracts the viewer. In storytelling, focus is a powerful tool to direct the audience's attention and emphasize specific details. Manual focus allows the videographer to precisely control where the viewer should look, enhancing the narrative and artistic intent.
🖼️ Undermining the Subject's Agency: In gender-focused storytelling, it's crucial to portray subjects with dignity and respect. Autofocus can sometimes shift focus unexpectedly, potentially undermining the subject's agency or importance within the frame. Manual focus allows the videographer to maintain control and ensure the focus remains intentionally on the subject, reinforcing their presence and authority.
Notice the shift in focus in the images below:
They’re Better Together
While manual settings offer unparalleled control, there are instances where speed is paramount. In these situations, videographers can leverage the auto functions to quickly achieve focus and exposure, then seamlessly switch back to manual to maintain consistency and prevent the camera from making unwanted adjustments. This hybrid approach ensures they capture the moment while retaining creative control.
While manual settings offer unparalleled control, there are instances where speed is paramount.
In these situations, you can leverage the auto functions on their video cameras or smartphones to quickly achieve focus and exposure, then seamlessly switch back to manual to maintain consistency and prevent the camera from making unwanted automatic adjustments if there’s movement in the frame or if the light changes.
This hybrid approach ensures you capture the moment while retaining creative control.
In conclusion, mastering manual settings is essential for any videographer seeking to elevate their storytelling craft. By taking control of iris, focus, and gain, you unlock the full potential of their camera, ensuring your footage is not only technically sound but also visually compelling and emotionally resonant.
