DEPTH OF FIELD

Definition

Depth of field is quite simply put the amount of an image that is in focus, a shallow depth of field means a smaller area in focus whilst a deep depth of field means a larger area is in focus.

Depth of field can be a useful tool in photography, a shallow depth of field can help when an image is really “busy” with lots to take in. If you want the viewer to focus on the foreground you can use a shallow depth of field to blur out the background.

In landscape photography you would probably want a deeper depth of field to keep as much of the image as possible in focus allowing the viewer to enjoy all of the scene.

Depth of field can be controlled in a few different ways. You can use the aperture of your camera – a lower F number will give you a shallower DoF while a larger F number will give you a deeper (or larger) DoF. If you can’t use your aperture (maybe you need to have a wider aperture due to the amount of available light) then you could simple change your proximity to the subject – the closer you get the shallower your DoF will become, need a wider DoF? Simply take a few steps back – the more you move away the deeper it will become.

The final way to control DoF is your focal length, by zooming in you are artificially reducing the distance between you and your subject, thereby reducing your DoF. All 3 of these can be used individually or together as depending on what you’re trying to shoot you may not be able to get closer or reduce your aperture size, or have the option of a zoom lens.

Edits