All language subtitles for 05 - How to Manual Focus

When pulling focus,
the first thing to

remember is to adjust
slowly and smoothly.

It may seem obvious,

but when we're in the middle of

the action and the subject
is moving quickly,

especially coming
toward the camera.

The instinct is to try and

regain focus as
quick as possible.

But if you don't adjust
the focus steadily,

there's two problems
that we'll encounter.

We could miss the mark
and have to readjust,

causing the subject to
go in and out-of-focus,

which is extremely distracting

and can easily ruin the shot.

The second problem
if we're filming

hand-held is there's likely
to be some camera shake.

If it's very subtle,

the shape can sometimes
be fixed in editing.

But to save time and to get
the best shot possible.

It's best to avoid camera
shake while filming,

unless it's a stylistic choice

that you're
intentionally making.

Perhaps for an action scene

to help really make
your focus pull smooth,

I highly recommend
getting a Follow Focus.

It will act as a side handle,

which also helps to
stabilize the shot.

And it provides a more
comfortable and natural movement,

making it easier to pull focus.

Another option if you're using

a gimbal is to have a
remote follow focus.

This way, the point of
contact of our hands

is on the camera rig and
not the camera itself.

Of course, this depends
on what we're filming.

But when it's possible,

a little bit of rehearsing
can save lots of time onset,

and especially in
the editing room.

A quick rehearsal allows us
to find our focus marks.

If there's movement in the
shot of rehearsal also allows

us to make sure the subject

stays within the range of focus.

If they don't, it's a chance to

practice the focus pole and get

the right timing by creating

markers for ourselves
and for the subject.

Essentially, running a quick
rehearsal saves time while

filming and stops us from
filming multiple bad takes,

meaning less footage to go
through in the editing room.

Again, saving us time.

What if we're
filming a live event

and rehearsing isn't an option.

What do we do then?

These circumstances, we want to

find reference
points that are the

same or close to

the same distance from

the camera that our
subject will be.

In this shot here,

I used the two light posts
as reference points.

So instead of trying to pull

focus on the wrestlers
while they're moving,

I knew that by simply

focusing back on those
two light posts,

I would also have them in
focus as they approach.

First, if we're
using a zoom lens,

we can zoom in,

making it easier to set our
focus and then zoom back out.

Some cameras and lenses
have this feature

built-in and will
digitally zoom in for us.

Second, get a monitor.

It doesn't have to be a big one.

Something like this works

perfect and command
straight to your rig.

The screen on our cameras
can be deceiving.

On such a small screen,

the shop may look in focus.

But when viewed on your
computer or larger screens,

if it's out-of-focus,
even just a little bit,

it will be very noticeable.

I made this mistake a lot early
in my career because one,

I was too cheap to
get the monitor.

And two, I thought my
vision was perfect,

only to find out after
that some of my shots

were still a little bit
soft. So don't do it.

I did get yourself a monitor.

Third and last, like

all other camera movements and

so many other things
we learn about.

You need to get out there and

practice using manual focus.

It is a skill you need
to learn and develop.

And it takes time
to do this because

autofocus cannot do
everything for you.