If you're like me, you don't get out much and its very difficult to see whether the frame is in focus on a 2" LCD. There are ome things you can do to make sure you're not helping things be out of focus. 1 is making sure you have the right camera settings. Don't be afraid to get close, crank up the shutter speed. As someone mentioned above, putting the camera on the Macro setting tells the camera where to start looking to focus. In this case, close up. It will still allow you to focus on objects farther away. Diffuser and or external strobe but I do agree that you need to get aquainted with your camera. I take my kids to the swimming pool and practice! They hate me. haha. Or take small toys that sink with you and practice macro shots in the pool. In any case the kids will hate you because you're the only dork showing up with a waterproof housing! Later,