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DEPTH OF FIELD
There are three main factors that contribute to controlling depth of field in a photo. The first is aperture. The second is distance to subject and the third is focal length. In this lesson, we learn how to configure our camera settings to create (narrow) depth of field.
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Once we master the technique we will also look at exploiting it to create to create a photographic style called bokeh photography.
KEY
TAKE-AWAYS
The impact of various settings on DoF, the aperture, and using Autofocus area modes
DEPTH OF FIELD?
What is
WIDE
depth of field?
What is
Depth of field (not to be confused with depth from our principles of design lesson) refers to how much of a photo is in acceptable focus. We saw this effects used to demonstrate a method of eliminating distractions. By focusing on a part of an image and effectively blurring out the less important portion of the subject, we can focus our viewer's attention on what's important. We can also use this technique to reduce distracting background objects that can not be framed out by creative composition.​
Notice the three subjects in this photo. The aperture is set to f/16 and as a result, all three subjects are within an acceptable range of focus. The details of each person's face can be clearly made out even though they are standing quite far apart. This is a wide depth of field. (Sometimes called a deep depth of field).
Aperture setting of f/16 creating a wide depth of field
NARROW
What is
depth of field?
Look at how the composition is affected by a change in the aperture settings. In this photo, the aperture is set to f/2 and only the second subject is within acceptable focus. The other two subjects are blurry, shifting your focus to the second boys' eyes. This is a narrow depth of field. (Sometimes called a shallow depth of field).
Aperture setting of f/2 creating a narrow depth of field
SETTINGS
Camera
and considerations
1
There are 3 considerations when trying to create a photo with narrow depth of field. The first is aperture. As seen in the examples above, setting the aperture as large as it will go (large opening = small f-stop) increases your ability to create a narrow depth of field. Set your camera to aperture priority and crank the aperture open to f/3.5. If you want the opposite effect (a wide depth of field) set that number to f/22.
3
Finally, focal length matters. This means zoom. If you are zoomed out you are less likely to create a narrow depth of field. You will probably end up with most of the scene in focus. So zoom in. Back up if you have to, but zoom in.
Still not sure? Visual learner? Here's a cheat sheet.
2
The second consideration is how close you are to your subject. Simply, the closer you are, the better, in terms of creating a narrow depth of field. Get close. Like, 10cm close. Focus on the subject in front of you, but frame your photo to portray how far away the background is.
C/T
Take 6 photos that demonstrate the effect that each consideration above has on depth of field by taking photos at opposing ends of the spectrum. Use 3 different subjects for each consideration set.
1. Aperture: f/3.5 vs. f/22
2. Distance: 12cm vs. 12" (both at f/3.5)
3. Zoom: 18mm vs. 200mm (at lowest f/stop)​
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Upload to Flickr as usual
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