The Rack Focus Shot: Practical Uses and Visual Examples

The rack focus is one of the most essential camera moves for any cinematographer. But how should you rack focus and why should you do it?

Tell me if this sounds familiar, you’re watching a show or movie and you notice a subtle change in the depth of field that gets your eyes to notice something new in the frame. Yes, you just experienced a rack focus. Or you have a cataract. I’m hoping it’s just the focus though.

Rack focuses are common in film and television. They’re easy ways to draw attention from one object to another in the scene. But how do you rack focus, and are there better times than others to use them?

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