Focus, Focal Length and Focal Point

In this photo, I intentionally focused on the black mug - with mugs to the right and left of it being out of focus. (Mugs on the shelf at The Firehall.)

Some Definitions:

FOCUS: Focus in photography is the process of making adjustments to the lens to find the maximum resolution, sharpness, and contrast for your chosen subject (as defined in Focusing in Photography Explained - How to Focus in Photography)

FOCAL LENGTH: Focal length is the distance (measured in millimeters) between the point of convergence of your lens and the sensor or film recording the image. The focal length of your film or digital camera lens dictates how much of the scene your camera will be able to capture. (as defined in Basic Photography 101: Understanding Focal Length in Camera Lenses)

FOCAL POINT: In photographic terms, a focal point can broadly be seen as a photographer's point of view. Think, for a moment, about how drastically different a photo can become depending upon what you choose to focus on (as defined in Focal Point in Photography Composition).

In this image, I intentionally put the closest oil lamp in focus and, using aperture, the lamps farther back, are out of focus. (This was a spontaneous capture as I left my sister's outdoor wedding and reception.)

For further reading: Camera Focus Points Explained by Jaymes Dempsey

Here are some 'bokeh' photos capturing images of cars driving westbound from Portage and Main. Top to bottom, there is a progress of intentional 'out of focus' utilized: