Depth of field

Shallow DOF is highly desirable in many types of photography, drawing attention away from the areas of the image that may distract the eye from a specific subject, by softening them to some degree. Melting the distractions to wonderful creamy mush or maybe just enough. This is shallow depth of field. Deep DOF provides sharp focus of more of the image.

We can adjust aperture and or place the focus point in a scene at a specific distance. Or both. Focus will have been made specific. Clearly landscapes tend to have more DOF and portraits perhaps less DOF. Not always what is wanted but this is a fairly normal state.

Old view camera photography could be very sharp, not so much the reproduction media - film and then paper - but the more the capture process. Some of the best lens out there were and are the most precise. Control over focus and DOF are remarkable, the old images had a certain quality. Historical images reveal an interesting quality.

My landscapes demonstrate that I am set in my ways. I need to be more flexible. Do what I do, continuing to improve, but add to that. I really enjoy detail in nature: light and shadow; abstract forms; leaves, flowers; water and rock. I think these shots could be in the normal lens range and use shallow DOF to a varying degree. This shooting has it’s discipline.

Then there is macro photography were DOF can be critical. I have never done any serious macro, using all the gear for precise movement control; light; bellows for fine control over focus. It is definitely a fine art, requiring patience and time.

I guess I’m saying that DOF is a major tool in photography, that should not be overlooked. The modern trend in fashion and portrait could perhaps from time to time explore their use of DOF. Move off wide open, now and then. Back off with the bokeh, sometimes some environmental interest can enhance a portrait. Tell a story. With fashion or glam there may not be a story, but with real life portrait there is most definitely a story. Of: the life of a loved one; a challenge; a skill; suffering; joy; intent… so many stories to tell.

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The Zone System

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Perspective