Bridging Photography and Communication-Focus

This summer, I’m exploring how photography and communication overlap—and how the tools we use behind the camera can help us get better at how we share, connect, and include others; in other words: how we communicate.

Each week, I’ll take one key photography concept and show how it translates into everyday communication. I’m kicking things off with “focus.”

Focus in Photography: What Are You Really Looking At?

In photography, focus is what makes a subject in an image stand out. It’s how we draw the viewer’s eye to this one thing while letting everything else fade a little into the background. Whether it’s someone’s expression, the shape of a tree, or a tiny street detail—it’s the photographer’s way of saying, “Look here.” When focus is missing, everything feels a bit all over the place.

Focus in Communication: Getting to the Point

It’s the same in communication. Focus means knowing what your main message is—and sticking to it. Whether you’re writing an email, giving a talk, writing a blog post, or chatting with someone, it helps people stay with you. No distractions. Just like in a photo, people know what matters. One of the ways you determine what your focus is, is by using a Manifesto.

It’s All About Connection

Both photography and communication are about choices. Your choices. As a photographer, you adjust your settings to frame the subject. As a communicator, you choose deliberate channels, words, and tone to connect with others. In both cases, focus helps cut the clutter so your viewer/reader/listener really sees, reads, hears, and understands what you want to communicate. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being clear and intentional.

What Does Focus Mean to You?

The photo in this post is a simple example of how focus works. Your eyes go straight to the subject—SUSHI MOOD—no guessing, no confusion. That’s the power of focus. And, personally, I love to focus on sushi!

Now I’d love to hear from you:

Have you taken a photo or had a moment where focus really made a difference—visually or in a conversation? Feel free to share your photo or story!