Lesson 8: Depth of Field

Chelsea London © 2017. Fujifilm X-T10 | 56.0 mm | ƒ/1.2 | 1/2000s | ISO 200

Chelsea London © 2017. Fujifilm X-T10 | 56.0 mm | ƒ/1.2 | 1/500s | ISO 200

Shallow Depth of Field

A shallow depth of field refers to a photographic effect where only a small portion of the image is in sharp focus, while the areas in front of and behind that point appear blurred. This effect is achieved by using a wide aperture (a smaller f-number) on the camera lens. The wider aperture allows more light to enter the lens, resulting in a reduced depth of field.

Photographers often use a shallow depth of field to isolate a subject from its background. Portrait photography utilizes a shallow depth of field in headshots or other photos where the environment is not crucial to the image. You’ll also see it a lot in birding or macro where the subject is what’s important.

By blurring the background or foreground elements, attention is drawn to the sharply focused subject, making it stand out prominently in the photograph.

Sean Makin © 2017. Nikon D610 | 35.0 mm | ƒ/11 | 30s | ISO 100

Deep Depth of Field

A deep depth of field in photography refers to a scenario where a large portion of the image, both in front of and behind the main subject, is in sharp focus. This effect is achieved by using a narrow aperture (a larger f-number) on the camera lens. A smaller aperture allows less light to enter the lens, resulting in an increased depth of field.

With a wide depth of field, objects at various distances from the camera will appear relatively sharp and clear in the final photograph. This technique is often employed when photographers want to capture a scene in its entirety, ensuring that both foreground and background elements are in focus. Landscape photography, architectural photography, and certain types of documentary photography are examples of situations where a wide depth of field might be preferred. Environmental portraits where the scene is an important aspect of the portrait also benefit from a deep depth of field.

In summary, a deep depth of field is characterized by a larger area of the image being in focus, achieved by using a narrow aperture (large number).

Chelsea London © 2016. Fujifilm X-T10 | 56.0 mm | ƒ/1.4 | 1/2000s | ISO 200

Chelsea London © 2015. Nikon D7000 | 50.0 mm | ƒ/1.8 | 1/8s | ISO 640 (background is crumpled tin foil)

Bokeh

Bokeh is a term used to describe the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image, particularly in the background. It refers to the way the out-of-focus points of light are rendered, creating a soft and visually pleasing blur. Bokeh is influenced by the lens design, aperture settings, and the distance between the camera, the subject, and the background.

Key characteristics of bokeh include:

Smoothness: High-quality bokeh is often described as smooth and creamy, without harsh edges or distracting elements.
Shape: Bokeh can take on different shapes depending on the design of the lens aperture. Lenses with circular aperture blades tend to produce round bokeh, while lenses with other aperture shapes may create bokeh with corresponding shapes.
Background Blur: Bokeh is most noticeable in the out-of-focus background of an image. It adds a sense of separation between the subject and the background, drawing attention to the main focal point.

Photographers often use wide aperture settings (small f-numbers) to intentionally create bokeh and isolate the subject from the background. This technique is commonly employed in portrait photography, where a shallow depth of field and pleasing bokeh contribute to a visually appealing image where the subject is the star. Additionally, bokeh can be creatively used in various types of photography to enhance the overall aesthetic and mood of a photograph.