Focusing on Large Groups of Animals

Friday 8 May 2026, 15:51 by Nando Harmsen | 1,592 views | 5 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

When there is one animal in the frame, focusing is not that difficult. It is different with large groups of animals. What do you focus on? There is no rule to tell you. Let your instincts guide you.

The question comes up from time to time. I have several people or animals in the frame. What should I focus on? The answer I always give is: on your subject. On the person or animal that is most important. That is easier said than done.

Sometimes you feel that everything needs to be sharp. Especially with groups of people. Then you have a choice. A shorter focal length or a greater depth of field. Or both. You then focus on the point where everyone and everything falls within the depth of field range.

200mm focal length and f/11, focused on the geese at the front
For people, this can be fairly simple. If necessary, you can move people so that the distance is roughly the same. With animals, that is not so easy. In addition, you often work with a long focal length. A large depth of field is then difficult or impossible.

Then you can choose to use a less long focal length. You can focus on the animal that is closest. After all, it is the largest and most noticeable in the frame. You can also choose a large depth of field.

324mm focal length and f/6.3, focused on the geese at the back
If you zoom in more, that greatest depth of field no longer works. You can then choose to focus on an animal somewhere in the middle or even at the back. In that case, deliberately choose a shallow depth of field.

This can also create depth, either consciously or unconsciously. The animals at the front of the frame are blurred, and the background will often be blurred too. Do not then try to get this sharp in the frame as well. Properly blurred is better than almost sharp.

Of course, you do not have to limit yourself to just one of the two methods. Use both. There is no right or wrong, only a choice. You can present both, or choose the photo that appeals to you most.

Which of the two photos in this article do you like best? Let me know in a comment below this post. I am curious.

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