PHOTOGRAPHY

Depth of Field: Challenge and Solution

I exemplify using a Depth of Field (DOF) Calculator to solve a photography dilemma.

5 Subjects
Each subject is 2 feet apart from the next one adjacent to it
Combined the 5 objects span a distance of 8 feet
Each object is to be in focus
We are using a 70-200mm telephoto lens
The maximum distance one can be away from these subjects inside a home is 23 feet
What lens focal length, and aperture will work?

I solve the exposure with an ISO of 5000, lowering the shutter speed and stabilization from image shake with the use of a tripod. You could also increase the ISO setting and raise the shutter speed. Because the subjects are stationary in this example, a slower shutter will work without introducing more grain and sensor artifacts with a higher ISO. If the subjects were moving a slow shutter speed would introduce motion blur.

A wider angle lens with shorter focal length (lower mm lens or wider telephoto settings), a greater distance from the subject matter (focal point), and increasing the f-stop (making the aperture smaller) will each increase the depth of field.

A depth of field calculator can help come up with exposure solutions that can solve a depth of field and exposure challenge.

PRACTICE, MAKE IT YOURS! GIVE IT A SHOT!

At the end I show some FUN shots that I made with a LONG EXPOSURE and a TRIPOD using a string of lights to WRITE WITH LIGHT to make a deep depth of field image with an interesting twist for an artistic exposure.

I'll make more videos in the future and document the process. This one was a bit long and rather technical.