# Change the Focus

Part of the Photography Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/photography/guide/index.md)

*4. Field Practice: Requirement 4*

> **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.

> **Tip**
>
> If your phone offers portrait mode, try that for the shallow-focus shot and normal photo mode for the deeper-focus shot. Then compare what details disappear and what details stay readable.

When you share your work, explain which version is better for isolation and which is better for context.

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- Next: [Change the Composition](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/photography/guide/req4d/index.md)