Comments on: Depth of field (DOF)

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:04:28 +0000

ida, it's very difficult to get a blurred background (I assume that's what you're asking) with a compact digital camera because of it's small sensor. If your camera has semi-automatic modes, switch to aperture priority mode and use the widest aperture possible (low f-stop). Also, try some of these tips. Take some photos and experiment with some of the settings and focal lengths.

By: ida

ida — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:44:17 +0000

Hello, thank you for the tutorial on depth of field; however, I have a question. I am a student using a coolpix camera, how can I get the depth of field look you have in your video using my camera? Is this possible to do?

Thank you very much

By: Sushi

Sushi — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:42:13 +0000

Wow!! i didn’t know about this until now and i thought it doesnt make any difference whether its on portrait or in landscape mode
thank you this is really helpful

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:50:44 +0000

pals, if you're using a DSLR it may have a depth of field button. Press it to actually see how the dof will appear in an image. Here is a very handy depth-of-field calculator.

By: pals

pals — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 16:44:46 +0000

just wondering, is there a way , where we csn preassume/calculate the amount of subject we want sharp, i.e; if we want 2/3 of a perfume bottle sharp & rest blur .

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:31:06 +0000

To blur the background you will have to shoot with a large aperture, and follow some of the techniques listed in this article (focal length, distance subject is to the background} to achieve background blur. For portraits, a focal length equivalent between 80 and 135 is often used In low light, you'll have to up the ISO but this may introduce noise into the photo. I think your lens has only a 3.5 aperture so you may want to consider getting or renting a faster lens with a lager aperture (F1.2, F1.4 or F1.8) It will give a better background blur, focus better in low light and you can use lower ISO numbers.Here's an article about renting lenses. If you decide to rent, get the lens ahead of time to become familiar with it's handling and capabilities BEFORE the wedding. Some lens rental places do not provide a manual unless you specifically request one.You may find these articles helpful:Wedding photography Wedding photography tips

By: Khalid

Khalid — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:37:47 +0000

I am working as wedding photogrpaher right now and using Canon EOS40 D Camera with 18-135 lens & mostly use it camera on manual mode.
Can you please advise how can I take DOF portrait photography as I want my subject to be in focus and background in blurred. Please confirm what mode should i should I use Or Can this cam give the desired result and how?

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:21:04 +0000

Jasmine, try setting your camera to M Mode (Manual Exposure Shooting discussed on page 23 of the camera manual). Choose the widest aperture available, which is F3.5. It won't give you the greatest shallow depth of field but there are other things you can do such as changing the focal length or the distance you stand from the subject. See our DOF quick guide for tips.Also try Soft Snap mode when shooting portraits or flowers.

By: Jasmin

Jasmin — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:31 +0000

I really like this effect and want tot try it on my Sony H55
I see now there is no aperture control for this model.

what is the best way to control DoF on this H55?

By: SPG | IRE » aperture:

SPG | IRE » aperture: — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 23:42:58 +0000

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