My Thursday post last week on the blog introduced an element of photography that can cause a bit of confusion to new photographers – Depth of Field.
This is a technique that allows a cat photographer using a DSLR or mirrorless camera to soften the background.
The soft background can look really nice as you can see from these photos of some of my favourite feline models. (It also makes an untidy room look better!) For smartphones, check your ‘portrait’ mode for a similar effect.
This favourite image of handsome Taz shows him posed near a tree branch that is softer thanks to the camera settings. I am adding the f-stop under each photo so you can see the difference it makes.
Definition of Depth of Field
‘Depth of field‘ is the distance between the closest and farthest objects in a photo that appears acceptably sharp.
Photography Life
Miranda’s photo made me realise how many of my cat photos have the kitty posed facing to the viewer’s right. I need to check my photo albums to see if this is something I do a lot, or if it is something the cats make me do!
Take a look at this closeup of Toulouse.
You may have seen this photograph before because it is a favourite capture of our tabby boy. Again, the soft focus background softens a lot of visually ‘busy’ background that might have distracted you.
Finally, a second photo of Taz. This is a smartphone image using iPhone ‘Portrait’ mode. This mode simulates the effect of the soft focus a DSLR/mirrorless camera lens creates. Black cats make excellent models and, with just a touch of light on an overcast day, his fur has definition and he looks rather cool.
OK I am biased but I love a nice black cat to photograph!
Love these! I just started playing around with my iPhone portrait setting and Iike it! While I do still love using the DSLR best, I tend to use my iPhone for most of my photography these days and I’m quite pleased for the needs that I have now (retired from photography work). You always have such great tips! I’m Pinning this to my Shutterbuggin’ board to share your fabulous tips!
What amazing photos I especially love the black cat one! I’m not much of a photographer but maybe I will try the iphone thing when I get a new phone.
I really appreciated seeing the f-stops you used with the photos, that is so helpful in really understanding the difference in how they’ll look. I am Loving that photo of Taz, he is such a stunner! I love black cats too, they are just so sleek and mysterious looking. Very chic!
I am always surprised how a small adjustment to exposure can make a difference!
WOW I love it, your photography as always is just amazing and your modes are so beautiful
I’m very partial to bokeh, I think the clear image in the foreground and blurred background makes such a lovely contrast.
Terrific post on depth of field. Your beautiful photos perfectly demonstrates depth of field. I love all your photos. Black critters do seem to jump off the screen though. Excellent information that once again inspires me to take more photos of Henry. Thanks, Marjorie!
Test Post for Hindy
Those are all great shots!
Thank you Athena!
I find the black animals harder to photograph, although they are handsome and I keep trying.
Great shots of Taz and Miranda.
guyz…mom marjorie cap sured sum PAWSUM fotoz of ewe all 😉 ♥♥♥
Fantastic photos! I’ve always liked the softened backgrounds but rarely achieve one. I especially love your black cat photos too, especially that last one, it’s stunning! I’m fortunate to have some beautiful black cats to work with, but I rarely achieve those beautifully defined black cat pics!
Those are wonderful photos.
Those are fantastic.
We, too, are rather partial to black cat photos.
Those are great! We, too, love a nice black cat to photograph. 🙂
Those are such wonderful, wonderful photos!