Focus issues

[windchimes]

Hi folks!

This would be my first post and the reason is I have grabbed a D5100 with 18-55mm as well as a Nikkor 55-300mm. So far I have been using a point aand shoot Cybershot model which opened my eyes to photography.I am slowly getting a hang of the DSLR world .Now the problem many a time I am facing/ the query is;

How to focus the subject sharply?? When I'm using tele as well as the 18-55 , I can see that the subject I want to click which is closer to the cam is blurred where as the background turns sharp. In point and shoot I had presets in certain modes which were like "Focus subjects closer to camera", "Focus from close to infinity" etc). What should be done to get the intended subject to its best focus?

I am sure this may look an idiotic question to a few. But as a noob, I need to catch up asap and with the expertise and the brilliance here I can move forward asap.

Looking forward!..

[kcoppock]

Hello.

I'd suggest taking a long read through your camera's manual and getting familiar with all of its functions. It really does help. That said, you'll want to look at your different focusing modes. There's usually an Auto-Area Focus, that typically picks the closest subject (the chosen focus point(s) will usually flash in the viewfinder); a Dynamic-Area focus, where you pick the focus area, but it will refocus if the subject moves; and a Single-Point focus mode, where you can pick the point that you wish to focus on.

[windchimes]

Originally Posted by kcoppock

Hello.

I'd suggest taking a long read through your camera's manual and getting familiar with all of its functions. It really does help. That said, you'll want to look at your different focusing modes. There's usually an Auto-Area Focus, that typically picks the closest subject (the chosen focus point(s) will usually flash in the viewfinder); a Dynamic-Area focus, where you pick the focus area, but it will refocus if the subject moves; and a Single-Point focus mode, where you can pick the point that you wish to focus on.

Thanks Kcoppock!!. Yeah I did, there is a locking facility which I missed