That's how I do it, but the camera chooses what it wants to focus on. So I have to try again and again from different angles until it focuses on the right thing. Occasionally I can fool it by holding a blank sheet of paper behind the subject and thereby limiting it choices. But sometimes I just have to give up out of frustration or because the subject has moved.

There is a way to manually set the focus (like at two feet or five or whatever) but that usually can't be done quickly enough. I've tried playing with the aperture setting to increase the depth of field which sometimes helps.

I think the camera has capabilities that I just haven't yet explored. Most of my pics are taking during the course of the work day when I see something and grab the camera for a quick shot. I really need to set aside some time to practice with the camera more.

Another trick that I've used to force the right focus is to skyline the subject. That can result in an interesting shot that I might otherwise have missed.

Rick
Thanks for taking the time to post your great pictures. I can't even buy a nice picture, let alone take one. Please keep on posting your work as time permits.

Thanks Rod! Post my work, you say? Okay, here are some work pics.

Yes, this tree could have fallen AWAY from the boardwalk, but what would be the fun of that? Besides, a tree that has lived for this long likes to go out with a bang. Or rather a crash!

Not that a Randall knife alone couldn't handle a job like this, but I did actually use a chainsaw. I just forgot to get pics of it.

Rick,

All your pics are just great. Are you going to use your Randall to rebuild the bridge?

Your focus problem aside ... you're still getting some REAL nice shots, Rick!

Of course! I'm going to whittle new lumber out of the fallen tree!

Thanks Tony!

I spotted this Phoebe in a tree and started to get out of my truck to take its picture when it spotted me and flew to my truck and perched on the antenna. I took these pics through the windshield.

Convict Caterpillars. Eventually these will be Spanish Moths.

Five-lined Skink