Photo How To

Setting your camera's autofocus mode correctly for the specific task at hand can make all the difference between a failed, blurry shot and a sharp attention-grabbing image. If you're usure which AF mode to when, the follow beginners guide will get you up to speed in a hurry.

Instructor Benjamin Jaworskyj is an accomplished German adventure photographer who travels the globe and returns home with beautiful images and revealing how-to videos of his exploits. Today's comprehensive explainer is the latest installment of the free Beginners Course that's archived on his popular YouTube channel.

In this behind-the-scenes video Ben breaks down the different autofocus modes (AF-S, AF-C, AF-A) and demonstrates why and how to use each one in various situations "to get sharp results every time, whether you're shooting landscapes, portraits, or fast-moving subjects." Then he suggests a few ways to practice these techniques before heading out for a serious shoot.

There's also a helpful discussion about another key consideration; namely, how to choose the most appropriate focus point(s) within the frame. He begins with a simple experiment that involves setting up a shot with important elements in the foreground, midground and background.

For multi-layered scenes like this Ben recommends setting your lens to the widest aperture possible that results in a properly balanced exposure. He then turns his attention to the Automatic Autofocus mode (AF-A) and explains how this typical default setting works and when it's the best option.

As the lesson proceeds you'll learn about the relative merits of the AF-S (autofocus single) and AF-C (autofocus continuous) settings that are available in just about all digital cameras. By the time the video concludes, all your autofocus guesswork will be a thing of the past.

There are many more straightforward lessons on Ben's popular YouTube channel, so be sure to pay a visit and explore what's available.

We also recommend watching the tutorial we featured recently with a notable British pro who poses four thought-provoking questions that he says every photographer should ask themselves now.