Quote Hopefully this is ok to ask on the forum....

See when I am trying to create a reveal of a subject from behind an obstacle....for instance revealing a castle from behind a big boulder, what should I be doing with the focus?

Should the focus be locked onto the subject being revealed and the obstacle out of focus?

Should I try and perform a focus pull from obstacle to castle?

Anything in the editing that can help the sequence?

Im just starting out so this is maybe a daft Q.....but if you dont ask!!!!

Hi,

I think it's more a question of creative intent than a fixed technique.

A POV shot, say a soldier approaching a boulder, would probably be best with the boulder in focus, then, as the castle is revealed, a slow focus pull to bring the castle into focus. Or for more dramatic effect, with an audio bed to match, a sharp focus pull.......... etc

For a more dreamy scene, scan the horizon in focus, keep the focus on the horizon and leave the foreground blurred whilst the castle is revealed in all its glory................... etc

Focus pulls are not so easy to implement well, depending on camera rigs, but with practise and rehearsal it'll work.

If a focus pull is required but can't be done in camera, you might shoot 2 scenes, one foreground sharp, the other background sharp and then blend the 2 for a final sequence. Again the creative use of transitions, fades, opacity will influence the final look and feel.

Other folk might have some further techniques or ideas?

Cheers
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Thank you for the reply,

I understand what you are saying....I am now going to think up some scenarios similair to what you suggested and go practice!!!!

Im really enjoying this, even tho im not very good!!!!