The Artistic Side of Photography: Embracing Manual Focus for Storytelling

After years of exploring the technical aspects of photography, I’ve recently ventured more deeply into its artistic side. Photography isn’t just about capturing a sharp, well-lit image; it’s about telling a story, sharing an emotion, and connecting with a moment in time. One of the biggest shifts in my approach has been moving from autofocus to manual focus lenses. While it may seem like a small change, it has transformed how I interact with each shot and the stories I aim to tell.

The Precision and Intention of Manual Focus

Using a manual focus lens requires a different kind of patience and precision. Unlike the convenience of autofocus, where the camera does most of the work, manual focus means I have to be fully present in every shot. I get to choose exactly where I want the viewer’s attention, carefully adjusting the lens to create the focus point that feels most meaningful. Each turn of the lens becomes a moment of quiet intention, a small story in itself.

Building a Story Behind Every Shot

Switching to manual focus has added layers of depth to my photography. Instead of just snapping a quick shot, I’m now forced to slow down, consider my surroundings, and think about what I want to communicate through the image. With this intentionality, each photo I take now feels like a story that’s truly mine—a memory that reflects my perspective and the time I took to capture it.

While this is only a simple image to others, manual focus has allowed me to slow down and record the moments that matter most to me. This photo is a tribute to one of my uncle, who has been my mentor and my inspiration to take on photography.

This photo is of Mon Beach in Phu Yen Province, Vietnam. It was taken during Tet Holiday, when my family went on a hike at around 5 AM to the Dai Lanh Lighthouse, one of the Eastern-most part of Vietnam to catch the first rays of sunlight in the country. This was one of the most challenging hikes I have ever been on, but it was rewarding for its amazing views and photos. This photo has always been special to me because humidity paid a role in giving this picture an aesthetic like no other autofocus lens can achieve.

In many ways, manual focus has made me a better storyteller. When I photograph a landscape, a street scene, or a person, I’m not just documenting; I’m actively engaging in the moment. Each photo captures not only the image but also the process I went through to create it. In a world of high-speed shutter clicks and rapid shots, embracing this slower, intentional approach allows me to reflect on the connection I have with my subject, which I hope shines through in each photo I share.

The Artistic Journey Continues

Choosing manual focus is a reminder of why I fell in love with photography. It’s both an art and a craft, a balance of technical knowledge and creative expression. Each photo represents my journey—from visualizing the image to adjusting the lens to finally pressing the shutter. This journey, especially when taken slowly and deliberately, is where the magic of photography truly happens.