A65 focusing settings

[LisaG]

I just got this camera and have taken some outdoor family photos
I'm confused about the focus settings
Can someone help me
I took some photos in aperture mode but three of the people were in focus and the one who was a little closer was not in focus

 

[Kolia]

What you describe is a depth of field (DoF) problem, not focussing.

The fix would have been to use a smaller aperture to increase the DoF and get everybody in focus. Problem is, you locked that when you selected aperture priority...

Make it a habit of using your aperture preview button to see what will be in focus (front of body, near the lens)

 

[cosmonaut]

Your aperture is what controls depth of focus. Higher F/stops F/8, 11, or 16 will give you more depth. Plus it depends on what lens to use. Google depth of field and you can find what the depth will be on a given format, lens and F/stop.

 

[ConradM]

It's also somewhat important that people be as close to on the same plane as possible when taking portraits to avoid some being in focus and some being out.

 

[LisaG]

Thanks for your help. I'm sure I will have a bazillion more questions as I learn all about this camera.