Sharpness and clarity are important elements to consider when telling a story visually through photography. They can help you convey direction and focus in your compositions. If you’re a film or TV fan, this technique may be something that you are already familiar with. You will notice in these media that clarity and focus, as well as the opposites of them, out-of-focus shots and blur effects, are often used to direct the viewer’s attention to key elements on screen, which help advance the plot or underscore visual symbolism.
You can achieve the same effect in your photography by learning how to effectively use clarity and sharpness within your compositions. We’ve put together this guide to help you along your journey. It includes ten essential tips that will help you implement sharpness into your photography. You’ll also find some examples to illustrate each concept and serve as a benchmark for you to develop your craft.