{"id":83020,"date":"2022-07-11T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-11T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=83020"},"modified":"2022-08-11T11:15:48","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T15:15:48","slug":"shallow-depth-of-field-6-factors-to-consider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/shallow-depth-of-field-6-factors-to-consider\/","title":{"rendered":"Shallow Depth of Field | 6 Factors To Consider"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Photographers use a variety of means to draw attention to their subjects. We can place our subjects in the crosshairs of a rule-of-thirds grid, position them in the brightest part of the frame, or isolate them against a sea of negative space. One of my favorite compositional tools for directing my viewers\u2019 focus involves using a shallow depth of field. Few techniques work as well to separate the subject from the rest of the frame. In this article, we\u2019ll take a closer look at shallow depth of field and consider a number of factors for using it in our photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Depth of Field?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In somewhat simple terms, depth of field<\/a> describes the distance in an image, nearest to farthest from the lens, in which objects appear acceptably sharp. We typically measure depth of field in one of two ways: shallow vs. deep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shallow Depth of Field<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by SLR Lounge, captured with Tamron 17-70mm f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Images with a shallow depth of field feature a significant amount of out-of-focus area within the frame. The foreground and background of photos with a shallow depth of field tend to fall quickly (and often dramatically) out of focus, and the bit of detail left in focus helps create a sense of depth between the viewer and the subject. Shallow depth of field minimizes distractions in a scene by blurring the majority of the elements in an image. For this reason, it has proven a powerful tool for concealing unwanted elements and directing the viewer\u2019s focus to the intended subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Bokeh?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by SLR Lounge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When discussing shallow depth of field, we must also consider bokeh. Bokeh describes the quality or characteristic of the out-of-focus part of the image that falls outside of the photo\u2019s depth of field. As both photographers and admirers of photos, we generally prefer smooth and pleasant bokeh, as opposed to jagged and distracting bokeh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can learn more about creating a bokeh quality here: 5 Tips for Capturing Bokeh<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deep Depth of Field<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"man
Canon 5D Mark IV, 24-70mm, 1\/200th, f\/13, ISO 100<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Images with a deep depth of field, on the other hand, retain much more detail in the overall scene and will sometimes keep nearly every element in focus. Photographers might opt to use a deeper depth of field when shooting scenes with ideal backgrounds or capturing multiple subjects placed across a wider focal plane, among other scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Control Depth of Field?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A number of factors go into controlling the depth of field in our photos. Some of these factors include the lens\u2019 aperture, the size of the image sensor, focal length, and more. We\u2019ll explore these and other considerations below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Factors to Consider for Using a Shallow Depth of Field in Photography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  1. Aperture<\/a><\/li>
  2. Sensor Size<\/a><\/li>
  3. Focal Length<\/a>
    1. Distance Between the Camera and the Subject<\/a><\/li>
    2. Distance Between the Subject and the Background<\/a> <\/li><\/ol><\/li>
    3. Background & Foreground Elements<\/a><\/li>
    4. Creative Applications<\/a><\/li>
    5. Challenges<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Aperture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"aperture
      Part of a free download chart from the Photoblog Hamburg site<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      We often associate aperture with controlling the depth of field in our photos. Just in case you\u2019re new to photography, aperture refers to the opening of a lens, which is used to control the amount of light that reaches the sensor or film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In addition to allowing more light to reach the sensor, wider apertures (f\/1.2-f\/4) also leave less area in focus. This is one of the reasons portrait photographers <\/a>love reaching for prime lenses with wide apertures. A wide-open aperture offers one of the fastest means for capturing shallow depth of field. It\u2019s worth noting, however, that you don\u2019t need a wide aperture lens to get a shallow depth of field. See the tips below on focal length and distances for more information on that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Landscape <\/a>and real estate\/architecture<\/a> photographers often shoot with smaller apertures (f\/11-f\/22) to retain a deep depth of field and leave more of the image in focus. The smaller aperture focuses the light very sharply for a greater depth both in front of and behind the actual focus distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      2. Sensor Size and Shallow Depth of Field<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      When it comes to image sensors and controlling the depth of field, size matters. This holds true for both digital and film cameras. You can break it down with this simple equation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n