If a portion of a scene is expected to be out of focus, what should a photographer do?

When a portion of a scene is expected to be out of focus, recomposing the scene to exclude the out-of-focus area is a practical approach. This method allows the photographer to frame the shot in such a way that the out-of-focus elements are removed from the composition, ensuring that the focus remains on the intended subjects. This technique is particularly useful in situations where the photographer wants to emphasize certain aspects of the scene and avoid distractions caused by elements that would detract from the overall image quality.

Other options, such as adjusting the aperture, changing the focal length, or taking multiple shots, may still result in out-of-focus areas if they are not specifically managed. For instance, changing the aperture impacts the depth of field but does not address the placement of the elements within the frame. Similarly, modifying the focal length can alter perspective and depth of field but might still leave unwanted areas in focus or out of focus depending on composition. Taking multiple shots may capture a range of focus but does not guarantee a well-composed image if the out-of-focus portion remains in the frame. Therefore, recomposing the scene effectively addresses the challenge of managing focus and visual balance.