How To Focus in the Dark

How To Focus in the Dark is one of the most common questions that I get and the reality is that you can’t focus in the dark. Your camera needs to be able to see some contrast or definition in the scene to be able to focus. You will need to have some sort of light source to be able to either illuminate your scene, your subject you are going to light paint or the place in the scene that you are going to be creating your light painting.

In this video tutorial I show you two different techniques for getting sharp focus in your Light Painting Photography, both techniques require a light source. The first focusing technique is using a flashlight to illuminate the scene and then pulling focus from there. For the second focusing technique you will place your light source next to the subject or where you intend to stand then pull focus on that illuminated subject or area.

Updates from the Light Painting Community

There are two things that I have learned since posting this video that can make your focus even better. The first is that when you shoot on a tripod you should turn off your image stabilization. This is something I had never done, but apparently if you leave image stabilization on, your camera can interpret subtle movements as camera shake and slightly change focus.

The second thing I’ve learned is the difference between a parfocal lens and a varifocal lens. I’ve used these same two focusing techniques for at least 20 years with every camera and lens setup I’ve owned and never had trouble getting sharp focus — or at least sharp enough for me. But after I posted this video, I received a comment from @Scar pointing out that the zoom technique only works with a parfocal lens.

After doing some research, I found that a varifocal lens changes focus at different zoom lengths. I had never noticed this when creating Light Painting Photography, possibly because I’m shooting in the dark and moving — and my expectation of focus may be different than someone shooting sports, for example.

So here’s the refined technique: If you’re using a varifocal lens, frame your shot exactly how you intend to shoot it (DO NOT ZOOM IN), then use your camera’s digital zoom focus assist to pull focus. Once you’ve focused, turn off the assist and start shooting.

Huge thanks to the community for sharing your insights — it means a lot that I can post a tutorial and end up learning even more from all of you. Thank you! 🙏

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