How can you creatively compose photos with exposure and focus lock?

1 What are exposure and focus lock?

Exposure lock is a feature that allows you to set the exposure level for a specific part of the scene, and then keep it consistent even if you change the framing or the lighting conditions. Focus lock is a feature that allows you to set the focus point for a specific subject, and then keep it sharp even if you move the camera or the subject. Both features are useful when you want to avoid the camera's automatic settings from changing the exposure or focus based on the center of the frame, which may not be what you want.

2 How to use exposure and focus lock on different camera modes?

Depending on your camera model and mode, you may have different ways to activate exposure and focus lock. For example, on some cameras, you can use the AE-L/AF-L button to lock both exposure and focus at the same time, while on others, you can use the AEL button to lock only exposure and the AFL button to lock only focus. On some cameras, you can also assign these functions to other buttons or dials. You can also use the half-press method, which means pressing the shutter button halfway down to lock exposure and focus, and then recomposing the shot before pressing it fully.

The exposure and focus lock features work differently on different camera modes. On manual mode, you can set the exposure and focus manually, and they will not change unless you adjust them. On aperture priority mode, you can set the aperture manually, and the camera will adjust the shutter speed automatically, but you can lock the exposure if you want to keep it constant. On shutter priority mode, you can set the shutter speed manually, and the camera will adjust the aperture automatically, but you can lock the exposure if you want to keep it constant. On program mode, the camera will set both the aperture and the shutter speed automatically, but you can lock the exposure if you want to keep it constant. On auto mode, the camera will set everything automatically, but you can still use exposure and focus lock if you want to override the camera's decisions.

3 How to use exposure and focus lock for different compositions?

One of the main benefits of using exposure and focus lock is that you can create more interesting compositions by placing your subject off-center or using different lighting effects. For example, you can use exposure lock to expose for a bright sky or a dark foreground, and then move the camera to create a silhouette or a high-contrast image. You can also use exposure lock to expose for a specific color or tone, and then move the camera to create a color splash or a monochrome image. You can use focus lock to focus on a close-up or a distant subject, and then move the camera to create a shallow depth of field or a sharp background. You can also use focus lock to focus on a moving subject, and then follow it with the camera to create a motion blur or a freeze effect.

4 How to use exposure and focus lock for different scenarios?

Another benefit of using exposure and focus lock is that you can adapt to different scenarios where the camera's automatic settings may not work well. For example, you can use exposure lock to avoid overexposing or underexposing your subject when there is a strong backlight or a bright reflection. You can also use exposure lock to avoid losing details or colors when there is a low light or a high dynamic range. You can use focus lock to avoid focusing on the wrong subject when there is a cluttered or a busy scene. You can also use focus lock to avoid losing focus when there is a low contrast or a fast movement.

5 How to practice exposure and focus lock?

The best way to learn how to use exposure and focus lock creatively is to practice with different subjects, settings, and situations. You can start by experimenting with different camera modes and buttons, and see how they affect the exposure and focus of your images. You can also try different compositions and scenarios, and see how you can use exposure and focus lock to create different effects and moods. You can also compare your images with and without exposure and focus lock, and see how they differ in brightness, sharpness, and quality. The more you practice, the more you'll develop your skills and vision as a photographer.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?