Achieve Depth of Field in Photography

Depth of Field (DOF) in photography refers to the area in front and behind the subject in your photograph that appears in focus, while all other areas appear to be out of focus or blurred. DOF is used by photographers to create a more dramatic effect in their pictures. Read the instructions below for single lens reflex (SLR) and digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras to learn how to achieve depth of field in photography.

Steps

  1. Attach the correct lens to your camera.
    • It is best to have a wide angle lens. This will provide more depth and photographic options for you. Telephoto or zoom lenses can be used, but the DOF may not be as dramatic.
  2. Determine your subject.
    • When deciding on your subject--the part of your picture that needs to be in crystal clear focus--make sure you look at the areas in front of and beyond the subject. These are the areas that will be out of focus in your picture. Bokeh is a term used to refer to the blur of the picture.
    • The background should be a complimentary or contrasting color to your subject for optimal visual impact. A green field behind a red barn is an example of good contrast. The green in the field is going to blur out and give you a green backdrop for your subject.
  3. Focus on your subject.
    • You can use manual or auto-focus.
  4. Stop-down your aperture.
    • The aperture on a lens refers to the "eye" of the camera. The lens aperture is similar to the pupil of an eye. If it is dark outside, your pupil will dilate. The same holds true for your lens aperture. This is also referred to as the f-stop setting. The higher the f-stop number, the smaller the aperture. The smaller the f-stop number, the larger the aperture.
    • Try stopping down to a larger aperture, which means a smaller f-number. You can try starting with f/2.8. The lower your f-stop number, the shorter your DOF is going to be. The higher the f-number, such as f/22, the more of the picture will be in focus.
  5. Shoot a few pictures in a range of aperture settings.
    • Creating bokeh is a matter of personal taste. Decide what you like best. Note the setting for future reference.
  6. Experiment with your distance from the subject for more creative photography.
    • Being a little closer to your subject or further away can increase the drama of your picture.
  7. Use focal length to your advantage. This can also add or reduce your depth of field. Using a zoom lens will increase Bokeh, and using a wide angle lens will reduce it.



Tips

  • The key to creative photography is to practice and experiment. Different lenses, settings, perspectives and distances will influence the outcome of your picture. Depth of field and creating bokeh is no exception.
  • Working in Automatic mode you can also alter the depth of field (your area of focus) by using the presets. Generally, any of the portrait presents will increase bokeh. And any of the sports icons will reduce it.

Things You'll Need

  • Single lens reflex or digital single lens reflex camera
  • Lenses
  • Paper and pen for noting settings

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Sources and Citations

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