AF Area Modes & Focus Lock

[lavagirl03]

Hello all- I am wondering what is the best AF setting to use if I shoot in A or P mode ? I am still a bit confused if I should keep my camera in single mode or if i should use dynamic as well?

also, do you guys use the focus lock button for portrait and wedding photography?

On my Nikon the button reads AE-L/ AE-F.

[dcclark]

Your choice of exposure mode (A, P, etc.) really is separate from your choice of Autofocus mode.

Choose your exposure mode based on what you want to control (A - aperture, P - let the camera choose everything, M - set everything yourself). Choose your autofocus mode based on how you need to focus (one focal point, let the camera choose for you, have the camera follow a moving subject, etc.).

Use the focus lock button when you want to lock focus on one subject, but then recompose. This could happen in wedding photos, sure, or in many other situations. But, note that by default, the AE-L/AF-L also locks your exposure, which is perhaps more useful. Pressing the shutter halfway and recomposing has the same effect as focus lock.