Time-Lapse Photography Art and Techniques by Mark Higgins

Live-view focusing can be much more convenient to frame your image and focus with. Rather than
looking through a small eye piece you see a big clear digital screen. This is much better in low light
situations.
When using live-view focusing, we are able to use the back screen of the camera to view our subject
and then focus. We get a live feed from the sensor when live-view is on and this makes it much easier
and clearer when focusing, especially in low light situations and on a tripod. The live-view focusing
is not as quick as the viewfinder system, but it is generally the most appropriate for time-lapse. On
most cameras you should see a little square whilst in live-view. Put this square on the part of the
subject that you want sharpest and focus. The square should change colour to confirm focus.
Auto/manual focus button
You can pre-focus for your time-lapse and then switch the button on your lens or camera to manual
focus rather than auto. This is usually indicated with a simple switch with A/M. This is not the best
way to shoot because you might move the camera by moving the switch and this could reframe your
image. You may also forget to turn the switch back to auto focus for the next set-up. Although not
ideal, this is a definite way of making sure the camera doesn’t focus whilst the time-lapse is running.
Manual focusing
Make sure the camera’s focusing system is turned off using the A/M button on the lens or camera
before focusing. You can then look through the viewfinder or at the live-view on the back screen to
view the scene. Rotate the focusing ring on your lens until the view looks sharpest and you are ready