How to Nail Focus Pulling for Cinematic Depth
Focus pulling, or rack focusing , is a simple yet powerful technique used to guide the viewer’s attention from one subject to another within a shot. It’s often overlooked in low-budget filmmaking, but mastering it can instantly elevate your visuals to cinematic quality. What is Focus Pulling? Focus pulling is the act of changing the focus during a shot. This is commonly done to shift attention from the foreground to the background or vice versa, helping to tell the story visually. Manual Focus vs. Autofocus Manual Focus: Preferred for cinematic work as it gives full control. Autofocus: Fast but can be unreliable when dealing with shallow depth of field or movement. Tools That Help Follow Focus System: A mechanical aid for smooth and accurate pulling. Focus Gears: Attach to lenses to make focus ring movements more fluid. Markers: Use tape or markers to set focus distances before the shot. Tips for Better Results Rehearse your pull before reco...