Lesson Two - Depth of Field

Depth of field (DoF) can be manipulated to give different effects. With a shallow DoF (f2.0 for example) only part of your image will be sharp, whilst the rest will be blurred. By increasing the f-Number (Aperture) you can bring more of the shot into focus. To see a diagram of how the Depth of Field works please click here.

Why would I want to change my Aperture and increase/decrease depth of field?

Changing the DoF can be used to give your photographs more emphasis. If you want to draw attention to a particular point, then you could use a shallow DoF to ensure only the area you want is in focus (e.g. taking a portrait and focusing on the eyes), this allows you to isolate the subject from it's background (very useful if you have a distracting or unsightly background). However if you were taking a landscape shot, you would want a much larger DoF as you want more of the shot to be in focus.

How do I change the DoF?

To change the Depth of Field, you need to adjust your Aperture settings. Most cameras have an 'Aperture Priority' mode (Av on Canon's), you need to put your camera in this mode then you have the option to change the Aperture. Take a look at the examples below to see how the Aperture (F Number) can affect the DoF:

f3.5


f6.3



f11



Another set:

f3.5



f8


f16


(Can anyone tell I was hot and hungry when taking these photo's?? ).

Your task:

Your task for this month is to take a series of 3 photo's and change the DoF to see the effect it has on your photographs. I would suggest using the following apertures f3.5, f6.3, f11 or f3.5, f8, f16 to be able to see the effect the Aperture has on the DoF.

Add your results to this thread

Good luck!

(Also take a look at post 13 for some extra info from WildWalker)

Nice one GH! Look forward to seeing the entries!

Humm - lots of practising going on....not sure why I'm finding this one so hard

Make sure the camera is in Aperture priority mode ..?

Not easy for me either Hannah, think it may be that I do not have a fast lens, can take a series that show a difference in the DOF but the settings are much slower than our lecturer has used so the effect is different and not very satisfactory. Also need to take the subject from a fair old distance; perhaps we could have a follow up lesson to help those of us who are struggling

If your lens doesn't allow you to get close in, that's fine - as you can choose something bigger, eg a fence... like this:

Yeah - I was trying that today.....I think my problem is that I am trying to get too much...Will try again in the light tomorrow.

I have to say though.....Its an excellent lesson - much better when you really have to think about it

er......forgot about this

when do this end azz?

End of the month Claire

Snapper/Tassle - do one at either end of the scale (lowest f number and then highest f number) and see what difference it shows.

Not that I drink this stuff mind you - it's what's left over after having the family around the other week