Depth of Field: Guide for Beginners

You may be familiar with the phrase Depth Of Field (DoF) in Photography Composition, but what does it actually mean and how can you manipulate it to achieve creative effects? You will learn everything there is to know about the Depth Of Field in this post.

What Is The Depth Of Field?

Depth of Field: Guide for Beginners — Source: Antoni Cladera

The depth of field (DOF) is the distance between the closest and farthest objects in a picture acquired with a camera that are in acceptable fine focus.

The area of a photograph that appears sharp and in focus is known as the depth of field. Every photograph has a point of focus or the location where the lens is actually focused. However, there is also a region that appears sharp both in front of and behind your point of focus, and that region corresponds to the Depth Of Field.

The crisp zone varies from image to image depending on a number of variables, including aperture, sensor size, and subject distance (described in more depth below). Therefore, you can control how much of your image is sharp and how much of it is blurry by adjusting your camera settings and composition.

DoF near limit refers to the distance between the camera and the first object that is deemed to be sufficiently sharp. Similarly to this, the DoF far limit refers to the separation between the camera and the furthest element that is deemed to be acceptable sharp. Due to the gradual nature of defocus, the depth of field’s limits do not clearly delineate between sharp and unsharp.

The distribution of depth of field is not equal in front of (close to) and behind (far from) your focus point. The far DoF is often greater than the near DoF.

The closer you focus, the more evenly dispersed your DoF will be (50%–50%) for a given focal length. On the other hand, the distribution becomes less even the more distant you look.

In a similar vein, a telephoto lens will provide you with a more uniform DoF than a wide-angle lens at a given focus distance. The region that is deemed to be acceptably crisp in your image might range from less than a millimeter (Macro Photography) to kilometers, and even beyond infinity (Landscape or Astrophotography), depending on the settings used for the shoot.

When you focus the lens at a distance greater than the so-called hyperfocal distance or at any other distance, you will experience the final infinite depth of field condition.

Definition and examples of shallow vs. deep Depth Of Field

Shallow Depth Of Field

If the depth of field is Shallow, just a tiny section of the image will be clearly focused, leaving the backdrop (and frequently the foreground) out of focus.

Shallow depths of the field are frequently employed in portrait photography because their unfocused nature removes any background distractions and makes the subject more prominent. Street photography with a small depth of field is also a thing, as is photojournalistic and even landscape photography.

It helps photographers focus on their topic while avoiding surrounding distractions. However, you’ll also come across macro photography with a limited depth of field, as in this image:

In order to distinguish your subject from a cluttered background, you may occasionally prefer to employ a shallow Depth Of Field to focus emphasis on a particular location in images. This occurs frequently in portraits. However, it is also very useful when shooting macro, close-ups, street photography, products, events, and landscapes.

Get closer to the subject, concentrate on the area of the subject that you want to be razor-sharp, and use large focal lengths (from 70mm) and wide apertures (f/1.4-f/5.6) to achieve a shallow Depth Of Field.

Here are some scenarios where a shallow Depth Of Field is frequently appropriate:

When you wish to highlight your subject’s features in a portrait
When photographing wildlife, you want to make the animal stand out.
When you want to draw attention to the athlete in sports photography
When taking a macro photo, you want to draw the viewer’s attention to a flower, plant, or insect.
When shooting events or the streets, you can isolate a person in a busy scene.

Keep in mind that a shallow Depth Of Field and a wide aperture will increase the quantity of light reaching your sensor, allowing you to increase the shutter speed. If you’re shooting in poor light or need extremely quick shutter rates to freeze the action, this is a huge advantage.

Deep Depth Of Field

When using a deep Depth Of Field, even objects that are somewhat distant from the focal point are sharply focused over a broad section of the image.

A deep depth of the field is usually used in landscape photography to highlight more of the scene, and it is also recommended for group photographs to keep the back row in focus.

And here’s a deep Depth Of Field example, with complete sharpness from foreground to background:

You may occasionally want to increase the Depth Of Field to keep everything sharp. When photographing the Milky Way, for instance, you typically want to capture detail from the foreground to the horizon as well as stars and large bright spots. When photographing landscapes (day and night), seascapes, cityscapes, and architecture, you’ll frequently use a deep depth of field.

The good news is that you just need to focus on the hyperfocal distance when using a wide-angle lens (10-35 mm) to maximize Depth Of Field, as we’ll go into detail in this tutorial.

When using a telephoto lens (200mm, 300mm, or 500mm) for landscape photography, the hyperfocal distance is so great that you cannot focus on it. The general idea is to focus on a point in the lower third of the image because you’ll be utilizing tiny apertures (f/11, f/16, etc.) to maximize depth of field. This approach works because the Depth Of Field is often distributed 1/3 (33.33%) in front of the focus point and 2/3 (66.66%) behind it when you use these small apertures and long focal lengths. A blurry foreground will result when focusing at infinity, therefore be careful not to do this.

The following circumstances call for a deep Depth Of Field:

When directing the viewer’s attention from the foreground to the background in a landscape shot, or when you want to highlight both fascinating foreground and breathtaking background characteristics
When working with high magnifications in macro photography, you want to keep your entire main subject sharp.
When you want to highlight the bustle and chaos of a city through street photography
When showcasing a full structure in architectural photography
If you want to emphasize full decor in real estate photography

What makes Depth Of Field In Photography crucial?

One of the most important creative aspects of photography is how sharp a picture is. It makes a big difference if your image has a shallow or deep Depth Of Field; it frequently determines whether the composition works.

For instance,

Failing to achieve a shallow depth of the field when taking a portrait subject against a distracting background may frequently produce a very amateurish, snapshot-like image.
Failing to use a deep depth of the field will prevent the viewer from fully appreciating a landscape photograph with a stunning foreground, midground, and background.

The bottom line is Depth Of Field is important. Your photos will instantly get better as you learn to control it.

Effecting factors for Depth of Field In Photography

You can produce a deep or shallow Depth Of Field at will if you are aware of these variables and how they operate.

1/ Aperture (F-stop)

A lens’ aperture (F-stop)is the opening through which light enters the camera. F-stop values, which appear as f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, etc., may be well known to you.

Additionally, the depth of field is shallower the bigger the hole is. The shallowest depth of fields are associated with the smallest f-numbers, which also have the widest apertures. Additionally, the deeper depth of fields are corresponding to the larger f-numbers, which also have the narrowest apertures.

Large aperture = Small f-number = Shallow (small) depth of field
Small aperture = Large f-number = Deep (large) depth of field

The simplest approach to managing your depth of field while positioning your photo is to change the aperture of your lens.

So, to get foreground-to-background sharpness when shooting a landscape with a deep depth of field, simply set your aperture to f/11 or so. Set your aperture to f/2.8 while taking a portrait photo if you want a shallow depth of field and a lovely background blur.

2/ The separation between the subject and your lens

Distance is another factor in Depth Of Field that the photographer can adjust in addition to the aperture. Objects’ sharpness at a given distance from the subject is controlled by the aperture, but changing that distance also affects how focussed or unfocused they are.

A factor is the separation of the subject from the background. For instance, even at f2.8, if you capture a portrait of a subject leaning against a brick wall, the majority of the brick’s characteristics will still be visible. However, if you ask the subject to stand a few feet away from the wall, the wall loses clarity.

However, the distance between the subject and the camera also matters. If you can’t reduce your aperture any further and aren’t obtaining the desired background out of focus, simply go closer to your subject. Your Depth Of Field will be shallower the closer you are to your subject.

The notion that a lens’s focal length affects depth of field also causes a lot of confusion. However, getting close to your subject does not alter the depth of field any more than a lens’s focal length does. The depth of field will be the same if you shoot an image at 300mm and then the same composition at 35mm by moving closer to your subject. The 300mm photo will have a smaller depth of field if you capture it while standing in the same place and at 35mm and 300mm, but it is due to “getting closer” to the subject rather than the focal length itself.

3/ Focal length

The depth of field decreases with increasing focal length.

Therefore, if your subject is 33 feet (10 meters) away from you and your aperture is set to f/4, a focal length of 50mm will give you a depth of field that ranges from about 22 to 63 feet (6.7 to 19.2 meters) for a total DoF of 41 feet (12.5 meters).

However, the depth of field changes to approximately 29.5-37.5 feet (9-11.4 meters) for a total DoF of 8 feet (2.4 meters) if you zoom into 100mm while remaining in the same position and still using an aperture of f/4.

4/ Putting it all together

Your depth of field is determined by your focal length, distance from your subject, and aperture. Therefore, these three variables may work together to create an extremely extreme depth of field effect or they may negate one another.

For example, if you use a telephoto lens, get near to your subject, and shoot at f/2.8, you’ll get an ultra-shallow depth of field.

But if you use a wide-angle lens and get close to your subject, the two effects will typically balance each other out, giving you a medium depth of field.

How to use hyperfocal distance?

When you want to optimize Depth Of Field when using a wide-angle lens (under 35mm), you simply need to follow these instructions, regardless of the kind of photo you’re taking (landscape, night, ocean, cityscape, architectural, etc.):

To focus at the hyperfocal distance, use your camera’s automated focus mechanism.
Reset the camera’s focus to manual.
Just point and shoot—so easy!

The largest depth of field you can have is when the lens is focused at the hyperfocal distance, at which point everything that falls at any given distance from half of this distance out to infinity will be acceptably sharp.

Therefore, figuring out the hyperfocal distance is basically a “must” in night and landscape photography.

Be aware that the Depth Of Field far limit will not be limitless if you focus at a distance that is closer than the hyperfocal distance. The horizon’s elements (or the farthest backdrop elements like mountains or stars) will become blurry as a result.

In reality, it is exceedingly challenging to focus precisely at the hyperfocal distance. Therefore, you must ensure that you are focusing at a distance a little bit greater than the hyperfocal distance. Actually, it doesn’t need to be much bigger; one foot (30 cm) will do. Instead of blurring the background elements, it is preferable to have a little bit less depth of field in front of the main point.

For instance, in night photography, the stars will be blurred if you focus closer than the hyperfocal distance since the Depth Of Field in the photo will not be infinite. The Depth Of Field near the limit will be a little farther away from the camera by concentrating at a somewhat greater distance, but the stars will be sharply in focus.

Calculating the hyperfocal distance using the hyperfocal distance chart

The chosen aperture, focal length, camera sensor size, circle of confusion assumptions, or what is deemed to be “acceptably sharp” determine the hyperfocal distance.

The hyperfocal distance is 7.62 feet (2.32 meters) for a full-frame camera with a 14mm focal length and an aperture of f/2.8. Let’s examine the effects of depth of field when focusing at three different distances: 7.12 feet (2.17 meters), 7.62 feet (2.32 meters), and 8.12 feet (2.47 meters). Enter the following data into the DoF calculator to obtain the results shown:

It’s really challenging to focus precisely at the hyperfocal distance when you’re shooting outside. When you’re out in the field, you don’t typically use a ruler to measure distance. In reality, you needn’t!

According to the data in the table above, your DoF far limit will be significantly closer to infinity if you focus too near the hyperfocal distance, even by a few inches (or centimeters). As a result, the stars in the faraway backdrop won’t be in great focus.

In this instance, the DoF far limit is just 107 feet (32.57 meters) distant from the camera when focusing at 7.12 feet (2.17 meters). Beyond this range, the image will appear to be out of focus.

The DoF far limit, on the other hand, will remain at infinity if the lens is focused at a distance slightly greater than the hyperfocal distance of 8.12ft (2.47m). In other words, the background elements (like stars) will be sharp.

In conclusion, make sure you’re failing excessively if you can’t focus at the exact hyperfocal distance.

Using Depth Of Field: a step-by-step procedure

Although having theoretical knowledge is important, you also need to know how to use Depth Of Field In Photography when shooting in fact. Here is a simple, step-by-step method for getting the ideal Depth Of Field:

Step 1: Switch your camera to Manual or Aperture Priority mode

Most cameras only include two settings that make it simple to adjust the aperture and, consequently, you should manual and Aperture Priority modes. So the first step is to select one of these modes on your camera’s Mode dial.

If you’re just starting off, Aperture Priority mode is usually the preferable choice because it allows you to set the aperture while the camera chooses the appropriate shutter speed for exposure. If you’re more experienced, Manual mode will allow you to independently choose the aperture and shutter speed for more creative control.

Step 2: Choose between a deep and a shallow depth of field

Watch your environment carefully. Do you want the background to be blurred? Or should you keep the focus on the entire shot?

Generally speaking, it’s ideal to utilize a shallow depth of field if your background is distracting. However, if the background enhances the scene—for example, by providing stunning mountain scenery, lovely clouds, or important context—then use a shallow depth of field.

You typically don’t need to calculate the depth of field precisely if you’re going for a shallow depth of field look. However, if you want to maintain sharpness throughout the entire shot, you may want to calculate the hyperfocal distance to find the ideal point of focus (see the section on hyperfocal distance below).

Step 3: Modify your focus length, distance from the subject, and aperture

It’s time to make the necessary adjustments to your composition and/or camera settings now that you are aware of the Depth Of Field effect you desire.

Set your lens to its widest aperture if you want a shallow Depth Of Field effect. Then, get as close to your subject as you can before taking your picture.

Use a wide-angle lens (if possible) and move as far away from your subject as you can without ruining the composition if you want to create a photograph with a deep depth of field. Then dial in a narrow aperture – often f/8 or beyond is ideal, though see the next section on hyperfocal distance if you’re not sure what’s best – focus a third of the way into the scene, and take your shot.

Tip: When using your camera’s viewfinder, you often see an image preview taken at the lens’s widest aperture. But many cameras offer a depth of field preview button; press this, and you can preview the actual depth of field in real-time before hitting the shutter button. Check your manual to see whether it’s an option on your camera!

Step 4: Verify that you correctly calculated the depth of field

We strongly advise you to check your camera’s LCD after you take an image to make sure you’ve got the Depth Of Field right, especially if you’re just getting started.

View the image in playback mode for a moment. If you want to make sure everything is sharp across the entire frame, enlarge the image and inspect the closest foreground object and the farthest background object.

You can always retake the shot if you catch an error before the light changes.

Use Charts, calculators, and apps for performing accurate Depth Of Field calculations

The majority of photographers don’t need to determine the Depth Of Field precisely when shooting, so making rapid judgments or applying simple guidelines is OK, especially if you check your LCD later.

However, you might find yourself in a scenario where Depth Of Field is crucial. For example, if you’re a landscape photographer working with a very deep scene, a macro photographer using extreme magnification, or a product photographer and you don’t have the option to reshoot if the depth of field is off, these scenarios might apply to you.

In these circumstances, we’d advise using a Depth Of Field “assistant.” You have the following choices:

Charts for field depth. These display the depth of field ranges for various lens-to-subject distances and apertures. If you want a tangible copy, you may print them out and laminate them, but doing so means you’ll need a distinct chart for each lens focal length, which might be annoying if you’re using several prime lenses or even just one zoom.
Calculations for the Depth Of Field. These allow you to enter your focal length, subject distance, and aperture; they then return the depth of field range. Although they are very adaptable, you should always have one on hand in your phone. Additionally, they’re less useful than charts (since a chart enables you to see how your depth of field changes as you make small adjustments to your aperture and subject).
Applications for Depth Of Field In Photography. Many Depth Of Field apps—both free and paid—offer a combination of the aforementioned two DoF aids. The majority of landscape photographers still use this approach, even though you must always carry your phone with you.

The DoF assistance you select ultimately relies on your preferences, so feel free to experiment with each one to find out which one you like.

Tips and Pitfalls for Depth Of Field

To perfect photography, you must comprehend the Depth Of Field In Photography. When it comes to Depth Of Field, Innovature BPO there are a few additional suggestions (as well as some danger zones to avoid).

When you need to concentrate rapidly, don’t make the Depth Of Field too small. At f/1.8, if your focus point is off, it’s really off. The principles of Depth Of Field allow you to still capture a sharp subject even if your focus point isn’t quite in focus at f/8. When the illumination permits, novice photographers who need to fast focus (such as for motion photographs) should choose a lower aperture to ensure a sharp subject. When you become more assured and have improved your focus, you can use wide apertures for action.
That unmarked button right next to the lens on your DSLR? On the majority of modern cameras, that button represents the Depth Of Field preview. In most shooting situations, the camera’s viewfinder does not display the depth of the picture. The aperture is reduced when this button is pressed, allowing you to see how sharp your backdrop will be.

The camera’s depth of field preview button lowers the lens aperture to the predetermined value, providing you with a preview of the sharpest portions of the image.

Keep in mind the foreground. The foreground and background of an image are both impacted by Depth Of Field. Use a narrow aperture if you want the foreground of your picture to be sharp. Use a wide aperture if you want the foreground to be out of focus. Although it’s not always practical, you can change the distance between the foreground and the subject, as well as the distance between the camera and the foreground.
Make sure everything you want in focus is in focus by checking it twice. If you’re taking a portrait, the face and eyes should be sharp, and you might want to bump up the f-stop value a little to get the hair sharp as well.

Depth Of Field FAQs

1/ Is there an equal amount of Depth Of Field in front of and behind my focal point?

No. Although the distribution of Depth Of Field does become more equal as your focal length increases, it typically lies one-third in front and two-thirds behind your point of focus.

2/ How do I accurately control the Depth Of Field in each picture?

To establish your precise depth of field for a given focal length, utilize a depth of field chart, calculator, or app.

3/ Is it possible to change the Depth Of Field to achieve sharp focus?

Yes. The hyperfocal distance must be used; when you focus at this location, you’ll maximize depth of field and generally keep the entire image sharp.

4/ What is bokeh?

In Japanese, bokeh is translated as “blur”. The regions of your image that are out of focus (i.e., outside of the depth of field) have a prominent bokeh effect. The greatest bokeh requires a very small depth of field, but there are other techniques to increase its quality, such as by putting more distance between the subject and the backdrop.

5/ Give me a few Masters you think will motivate me

These photographers, Bill Gekas, Utah Barth, Clyde Butcher, and Jose B. Ruz, produce some of my favorite photography.

6/ What setting is most frequently used to regulate the Depth Of Field?

Aperture! Why? because it is the simplest technique to obtain the required Depth Of Field. To decrease DoF and increase it, use larger apertures. However, selecting an aperture based on a depth of field criterion is not always feasible.

Other factors specific to the image may restrict your choice of aperture. For instance, in wildlife photography, if you want to freeze movement and capture an image of an animal in action, you must consider shutter speed and ISO.

You’ll have more artistic freedom to produce the images you desire if you know how to control the Depth Of Field In Photography. The best way to learn is to practice. Spend some time experimenting and getting to know your camera. Try with various focal lengths, alter the aperture, and shift your feet to get a new angle. Analyze your photos to understand how your equipment works. When the time comes to snap photos that matter, you will be prepared.

See more»