DoF = Depth of Field.

The above article is a little confusing as are the other internet articles on the subject.  In layman’s terms DoF means that when you have focused on the subject of your photograph the camera settings you choose determine how much of the foreground and background is in focus too. It is all to do with lenses and how they work.

For example the first photo was focused on the front bud and the second photo was focused on the third bud.  The two choices create different DoF effects.

In Focus

Out of Focus

14 Comments CherryPie on Mar 8th 2011

14 Responses to “DoF Experiments”

  1. Janice says:

    I very much like that second photo Cherie.

  2. Bernard says:

    In the ‘good olde days’ you could stop down to f22 and get all the buds in focus. :)
    But…..can you do anything like this with digital cameras?
    Of course stopping down, meant longer exposure and then blurred moving objects.
    I used to try a ‘faster’ (400ASA) film, but then the photos became more ‘grainy’. :(
    All “swings and roundabouts” really.

    • CherryPie says:

      Yes you can still do all of that with digital cameras, that is what I was exploring :-)

      You can also change the ASA setting or leave to pick automatically.

      I find it fun if a little complicated at the moment.

  3. Marcie says:

    I love playing with DOF. Wonderful ‘experimental’ work!

  4. Which do you prefer?
    Most people prefer shallow DoF (1st photo) to deep DoF (2nd photo).
    I actually love them both.

    • CherryPie says:

      I like both too. It depends on what I am trying to with the photograph. My landscapes and gardens have to have a deep DoF whilst closer shots of flowers I prefer a shallow DoF.

  5. MTG says:

    Even your dramatic photography is eye friendly but these pics are unusual, CP.

    • CherryPie says:

      They are some of the results of me testing out my camera to it’s limits. There was a rather limited set of photo opportunities in my garden, so I had to be a bit creative.

  6. liz says:

    I was thinking about dof yesterday but have no idea how to do it. Need to read the manual. You are an inspiration.

  7. Chrissy says:

    There is a button on my camera that you can press to check out DOF. Andy has one of those gadget thingies but I cannot cope with that ;)