Photoshop Tutorial: How do I control what's in Focus?

Focus is one of the most important aspects of photography, as it determines which parts of an image are sharp and in focus, and which parts are blurry and out of focus. In Photoshop, there are a number of tools and techniques that you can use to control focus, both in the original image and in the final edited version.

Controlling Focus in the Original Image

The most important factor in controlling focus in the original image is your camera settings. When taking a photo, you can control the depth of field (DOF) to adjust how much of the image is in focus. A shallow DOF will blur the background and foreground, while a deep DOF will make everything in the image appear sharp.

To control the DOF in your camera, you can adjust the aperture, ISO, and focal length. The aperture is the opening in the lens that controls the amount of light that enters the camera. A wider aperture will produce a shallower DOF, while a narrower aperture will produce a deeper DOF. The ISO is the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. A higher ISO will allow you to take photos in lower light conditions, but it will also increase the amount of noise in your image. The focal length is the distance between the lens and the sensor. A longer focal length will produce a shallower DOF, while a shorter focal length will produce a deeper DOF.

Controlling Focus in Photoshop

In Photoshop, you can control focus using a variety of tools and techniques. One common technique is to use the Refine Edge tool to blur the edges of an object. This can be useful for creating a soft focus effect or for blurring out distractions in the background.

Another technique is to use the Liquify tool to warp the focus of an image. This can be used to create a variety of effects, such as blurring out the background and keeping the subject in focus, or creating a selective focus effect where only certain parts of the image are in focus.

You can also use the Burn and Dodge tools to darken and brighten areas of the image, which can help to draw attention to the subject and make it stand out from the background.

Combining Multiple Techniques

In many cases, you will want to use a combination of techniques to control focus in Photoshop. For example, you might use the Refine Edge tool to blur the edges of the subject, and then use the Liquify tool to create a selective focus effect.

Tips for Controlling Focus

• Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and reduce blur.
• Use a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake from pressing the shutter button.
• Use a high ISO setting to take photos in low light conditions.
• Use a longer focal length to create a shallower DOF.
• Use the Refine Edge tool to blur the edges of an object.
• Use the Liquify tool to warp the focus of an image.
• Use the Burn and Dodge tools to darken and brighten areas of the image.

With a little practice, you can learn to control focus in Photoshop and create stunning images with sharp, in-focus subjects and blurred, out-of-focus backgrounds.