Depth of Field Primer

In 100 Words

100 Word Photo Lesson

Depth of field (DOF) is the sharpness range in a photo, influenced by aperture, focal length, and subject distance.

• Wide apertures (low f-numbers) yield shallow DOF, blurring backgrounds to highlight subjects.

• Narrow apertures (high f-numbers) increase DOF, sharpening the scene.

• Longer focal lengths produce shallower DOF, perfect for isolating subjects, while shorter focal lengths create deeper DOF, ideal for landscapes.

• Closer proximity to the subject reduces DOF, blurring the background, whereas greater distances enhance DOF, focusing more of the scene.

Mastering DOF allows photographers to direct viewer attention, enhancing visual storytelling by controlling which elements stand out to the viewer.

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