Req 4c — Change the Focus
4c.
Photograph one subject with two different depth of fields.
Depth of field changes what the viewer notices first. A blurry background can make one face or object stand out immediately. A deep focus image can show a subject in context.
How to create the two versions
Take one photo with a shallow depth of field and one with a deep depth of field.
Ways to get a shallower depth of field:
- use portrait mode or a wider aperture
- move closer to the subject
- increase the distance between subject and background
Ways to get a deeper depth of field:
- use a narrower aperture if your camera allows it
- step back a little
- use a wider lens or wider field of view
What the viewer experiences
In the shallow-focus version, the eye goes straight to the main subject. In the deep-focus version, the viewer sees more surroundings and may understand the setting better.
This is a good requirement for flowers, signs, people, backpacks, or any object that can be separated from its background.
When you share your work, explain which version is better for isolation and which is better for context.