Documenting real families and children with modern lifestyle photography in DC, MD, and NOVA
This week’s theme at I heart faces is “texture,” which can either be found naturally, or added with a photo editing program. Since I don’t usually add texture to my photos with photoshop, I had to find one with a lot of natural texture. The first thing I thought of was a photo I took on Saturday at the big tire lot during Maggie and Tim’s engagement session.
Of course, be sure to check out the other lovely entries at 
Jay will probably laugh at me for writing this post, in light of my equipment expenditures over the last couple of years, but what I’m going to say I mean in all seriousness:
Your camera equipment isn’t everything.
I often get asked what camera or lens someone should buy. This is usually a difficult question for me, because the answer depends on so many things. What do you have now? What do you want to use the new camera for? How adept are you with the camera you have now? What’s holding you back? In reality, the best equipment in the world won’t make you an incredible photographer. Conversely, your equipment can prevent you from being a better photographer. This has been my philosophy with my equipment purchases: if I feel I can’t produce the product I want to because my equipment isn’t up to the task, it’s time to invest in something better. I really want to give my clients the best photos I can create. So yes, now I do have some of the nicest lenses and cameras that money can buy.
But, I didn’t start with that. In fact, my first “real” camera (one that I actually began to take photography seriously with) was an Olympus 4 megapixel digital point-and-shoot camera that let me control some of the settings. In today’s standards, this thing was child’s play. Probably couldn’t get $30 dollars for it now. And yet, I loved using this camera, and it went with me on a two-month study abroad trip to Moscow, Russia the summer right before I got married. (Note to brides: don’t leave the country for two months right before your wedding–it’s not good for the whole planning thing).
And I practiced. A lot. It was a time that I didn’t have to worry about getting “the shot.” If I missed something, oh well. I had the freedom to create and take pictures when I wanted to and of what I wanted to. If you’re at that stage in your photography, enjoy it. Learn to master what you have before you move on to the next thing. And if you’re beyond that point in your photography (and I speak to myself here as much as anyone else), don’t forget about your first curiosity and love for the creative. Don’t let your nice equipment lull you into the same stock shots.
Taken with my old point-and-shoot. Summer 2005. Suzdal, Russia.
My room for that summer–I lived with a Russian family.
One of the things I loved about my P&S was that it was silent. I could take a photo of the soldier’s boots standing next to me without him ever knowing. Not so with today’s DSLR’s shutter “clunk.”
And yet, the camera did have very distinct limitations. The quality here is not what I could get with my equipment today.
Still, it was a good camera.
Of course, eventually, I found myself limited by the camera’s slow shutter response. I’d mastered everything I could on it, and it was time to upgrade. And so I did.
Mary, this post is right on! I couldn’t play like Hendrix if I had his guitar. When you notice a limitation -its time to upgrade. Saying “my camera doesn’t take good pictures” is rarely an excuse with digital POS cameras bought within the last year or so. Learn to use it and practice is often my advice too. Have a great day.
OK, maybe it’s a bit of stretch to say it changed my life, but it definitely changed how I shoot. Interested? I bet some of you already know it. (NOTE: I’m a Canon user, so I can only speak to their cameras…I’m not sure if Nikon offers this option, but I bet they do. You’ll have to check your manual to be sure).
Drum roll…
It’s “back-button focusing.” In almost all circumstances, I use automatic focus on my lenses…only very rarely do I switch them to manual. I figure the camera is pretty smart at pin-pointing the focal distance. But, one thing I NEVER do anymore is let the camera choose where to focus. What do I mean?
Normally when you half-way press your camera’s shutter, you can lock focus on your subject. And depending on which focal point (those little red boxes that light up inside your viewfinder) you’ve chosen to use (you have the option to pick one point or just let the camera choose whichever ones it wants to), your camera will find the object nearest to the focal point and lock onto it. You press your shutter and take the picture. But what happens when what you really want the camera to focus on is something far away, but all it keeps wanting to do is focus on the nearest object?
Case in point–for the below picture, if I let my camera choose where to focus, it will want to focus on the back of the bride’s head, not the cute little boy’s face. That’s not cool.
Here’s another example…the camera would want to focus on the wall, not the bride.
So what’s a photographer to do? Well, you’ve got a couple of options. One is you choose one focal point and lock your focus with your shutter half-way pressed (and this may be a custom function on your camera). Then you carefully hold your finger on the shutter as you recompose, finally pressing the shutter all the way down to take the photo. And if this method works for you, awesome. For me, I found it a bit too cumbersome…if my finger slipped any, the focus would be lost and I’d have to redo. And with many things happening so quickly during a wedding day, sometimes I only get one chance to take a shot. I can’t miss it.
Enter back-button focusing. Instead of pressing the shutter half-way, recomposing, and hoping for the best, you can actually focus by pressing a button on the back of the camera with your thumb, recompose, and then snap the shutter to take the picture. On the Canon 5D Classic, it’s also the same button you use to select your focal point:
On the Canon 5D Mark II, it’s the AF-ON button (though, you can also choose it to be the little asterisk button if you want):
What I’ve done is I’ve selected to always use the center focal point (check your manual if you’re not sure how to select a focal point) on my camera. After you decide which focal point you’re going to use, you need to then tell your camera you want to use that back button to focus. Here’s what you do:
1. Go to your camera’s menu, find Custom Functions. 5D Classic:
5D Mark II
2. On the 5D Classic, select Custom Function 4 and choose: 1. AE lock/AF
On the 5D Mark II, select Custom Function 1 and choose: 3. AE lock/Metering + AF start
3. Lastly, I set my type of focus to “Al Servo”–that’s at the top screen on the cameras. Check your manual if you’re not sure.
Now that you’ve got that set up, you can start using your back button to focus. Here are the steps I follow to take a photo:
1. Determine where I want my focus to be.
2. Lock the focus by pressing my back button.
3. Release the button if the object is standing still…if it’s moving, I hold my thumb on the back button and follow it (this is why having it set to Al Servo is important–the camera will continue to refocus as the object moves until you press the shutter).
4. Press the shutter.
Here’s one more example: I focused on the couple’s feet with my middle focal point, then I recomposed to where the road took up most of the photo. A shot like this would not be possible if I let my camera decide where to focus.
I really think one of the things that helped me improve my photography is learning to take control of my camera. This back-button focusing technique is one of the most important tools for controlling the composition of your photos. I highly recommend it.
So today (7 years after this post) I read an article on back button focusing. I quickly did a search to see if my newly bought (used) 5D classic could do this, found this post… It can! Your walkthrough is awesome and I just made the changes to the settings, and I love how it works!! Seeing how my Canon’s 12 year old shutter has a hair trigger, this will make my focus and shooting all the better. Thanks for posting this great tutorial.
Thank you so much for this! I’ll be referring 5d classic users to this site from now on!
Good afternoon,
Recently purchased a used 5Dc in very good condition. Ran across your fantastic website and after reading and changing settings for BBF, will be reading much more.
Will be using BBF this weekend to take photos of latest great-grandson who is going on 1 month old. Took some last weekend and was a bit disappointed for exactly the reasons you pointed out. I was using evaluative metering with natural light coming in from one side through large double door. results look like light was too harsh. Will be diffusing it next time with sheet over doorway. Thinking now I may have been better off using center weighted metering. Really appreciate any help you could offer on this.
Again, I really appreciate what you have done on this site. !!
Bill
Thanks for the post. I’ve had my 5D since 2007, and I have yet to explore all its options and menu choices. I was wondering if I could make use of the AI servo feature for portrait sessions where the subjects are frequently making small movements. I’ll be making some tests with this feature based on your information. I must say, though I’ve been seriously into photography since my mid teens, the thrill of experimentation is the same as it ever was. I am a long ways from knowing enough to stop learning.
I have the 5D and thank you so much for your simple, easy to follow directions with pictures on how to switch to Back Button focusing! I can’t wait to try this out. I have a feeling I am going to love it! I really appreciate you taking the time to share with us.
Derek – not only do you have to configure the back button to focus but you also have to UNDO shutter button focusing. On a 7D this is via menu / custom controls / operation / custom function 1. Press OK to enter the config and select the top left icon which is the shutter button. Change it from AF start /meter to just meter.
Wow!!! I’ve been trying forever to understand BB focus and you have changed my life by finding the post!! Thank you for Sharing!!! Greatly appreciate it!! 🙂
FIrst, the Canon manual states the setting to accomplish what you describe is NOT AE lock/Metering + AF Start but Metering start/Metering + AF Start. The setting you suggest is recommended by CANON when you want to METER AND FOCUS on different areas of the frame. To focus and meter on the SAME focus point, the recommended setting is Metering Start/Metering + AF Start – which is setting #2, not #3. Correct me if I’m wrong.
2nd – I’m unfortunately having no success with either and my camera was just returned from CANON service in which they checked focus function. I set my center point focus, set AI Servo mode then back-button focus with the AF-ON button. However, when I recompose the frame, my camera is refocusing on the center point! – regardless of my custom function setting. What’s up with that???!
Thank you! For sharing the how to change your settings! Looked all over the internet for it. Your work is amazing! Best wishes!
Great tip! I started using it a couple of days ago and it really helped my workflow get better 🙂
I’m a professional photographer who’s just switched jobs and, in the process, camera systems. I’m trying this method now since most everything else about my work flow is changing, reasoning why not try this? Many swear by it.
Just for the record though, the way I’ve been shooting for well over a decade is to assign one of the back buttons as ae/af lock. Therefore, you can press the back button w/ your thumb as you recompose, wait for a moment or whatever instead of having to hold the shutter halfway down. Just as an FYI if that ever comes in handy.
I’m with you–Mike–same thing happens when I do hand my camera to someone else. They’re like–“Your camera doesn’t work!” Either that, or I get a nice out-of-focus shot of my husband and me.
Great post. I have had my camera set to focus on the center point for more control for a while now, but I have been using the shutter button to lock focus and recompose. I really like the way this pairs well with AI Servo. I have the opposite problem of Christina… when I hand off my camera, basically nobody else can get an in-focus shot with it (and that was just with the center point focus), but this will be one more reason to be more selfish with my camera anyway 🙂
Great post Mary! I love back button focusing too. It’s great for locking focus on something when other subjects might suddenly get in the way of your subject and potentially steal the real subject’s focus.
My only problem is trying to use someone else’s camera that does NOT have it turned on! I have such a hard time going back.
I know winter is upon us and the thought of taking engagement photos in Pittsburgh may not be on everyone’s minds, but I still think it can be a great time for an engagement session (fun snow pictures, anyone?). Even so, spring is just a couple months away, and now is the perfect time to be thinking about possible locations for your engagement pictures.
So, I’ve assembled a list of my Top Ten Engagement Locations in Pittsburgh, plus Five Places I’d Really, Really, Love to Shoot An E-Session at.
Here’s my Top Ten:
1. The Strip District–where else can you find such awesome backdrops?
2. Hartwood Acres–this place is gorgeous all-year round.
3. Mexican War Streets/West Park–located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, these two locations go hand-in-hand.
4. Frick Park–lovely woods, fields, and streams. Perfect.
5. Phipps Conservatory/Schenley Park–gorgeous backdrops and lovely flowers.
6. Downtown Pittsburgh–great architecture and awesome variety. Works well in the winter, too!
7. Mellon Park–Pittsburgh’s hidden gem, located off 5th avenue: gardens, trees, and a beautiful staircase.
8. Station Square–nice view of Pittsburgh with a cool urban setting.
9. Pittsburgh’s Northshore–Heinz Field, PNC Park, and a great view of the city.
10. Point Park–Love this place, though, I list it with a caveat. Recent construction has torn it up, and we’ll just have to see what they put in this summer.
As I said, I love shooting in all of those above locations, but there’s also some places I haven’t but would really LOVE to do an e-session in (any takers??).
My Top Five (wishlist) Engagement Locations:
1. Kennywood Park–seriously, I think this place would be a blast do do an e-shoot in. So much variety, so many fun things to do. I really hope to shoot one here this summer. If you’re interested, let me know!
2. Pittsburgh Zoo–OK, it may sound silly, but I also think this would be a really cool location. Come on, who else would have a giraffe in their engagement photos?? Probably best to go on a non-school day so as to avoid the field-trippers.
3. Oakmont/Verona–I love the look of Oakmont and Verona–cute cobblestone streets and a lovely view of the river. Wouldn’t it be fun to paddle around in a canoe for some photos?
4. Washington’s Landing–This little island may be small, but I think there’s plenty to discover!
5. YOUR Favorite Place–I mean this seriously–I love shooting in new locations, and I’d love to know what’s your favorite little place in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.
If you’d love to see any more photos from engagement sessions I’ve done around Pittsburgh, you’re welcome to browse through the engagements category. Also, if you’re wondering what to wear for your e-session, be sure to check out my post regarding engagement session clothing.
I recommend the waterfront (in west homestead)!!! There are so many different settings in this one little location right next to the river. Bike trails, bridges, trees, benches, HUGE smoke stacks with stage lights and not to mention there is a museum about the steel mills and right out front there are HUGE steel cylinders, circles, and beams. I just did a shoot there and it was PERFECT. it would even be good in winter (but very chilly because of the river!) but hey if the shot comes out well thats all that matters right 🙂
WOW! WOW! WOW! I am so impressed Mary by your work! My name is Kelly Wickersty and my fiance’s name is Dominick Stinelli. I am searching for an engagment and wedding photographer. We do not have a date set yet but we are looking to get the process started by taking engagement pictures and I was reading your website and saw that your wishlist included Kennywood and Oakmont/Verona! My fiance would be over the moon with the idea of Kennywood and we actually live in Oakmont. We would love a photographer that would really capture our personalities and hopefully be with us on our special day! Please contact me at your earliest convience. We are looking for engagement pictures this May or June. Thank you so much for your time,
Kelly Wickersty
Wish that Jay and I would have thought about the zoo! Maybe take your next non-photogenic couple there? It would really take the pressure off 🙂
Love this post. The last place I did an e-session was at Chatham University – highly recommended!
I dont live anywhere near there, but just wanted you to know i think you’re so so nice and generous with all your helpful posts for photographers! 🙂
by mary
Heidi - Great picture, very nice colors and clarity! Love the tire backround 🙂
Courtney - what a fun picture! love the natural texture of the tires
Becca - This is beautiful and cool all at once – I LOVE the tires!!
LeAnn - Cool! I really like all those old tires.
Life with Kaishon - How fun is this picture. I know they have to be a fun couple to sit on a bunch of big tires : ) Very creative to use tires as texture! Good job!
breckenrcook - great location!
Elizabeth - I love it..very creative! I love the use of natural texture too! Great job!
Lindsay - What a neat idea!
BlondeShot Creative - Love your use of real life texture. Its an interesting spot for an engagement session- such a contrast between all those dirty tires and the lovely couple in love. Nice shot!
Mireille - Great texture idea!! What a cute couple!!
Jessica Paige - Wonderful use of natural texture! looks like a fabulous e-session! 🙂