First DoF Photograph Adventures
I am trying to be systematic as I work with my camera and share my learning journey and DoF or depth of field is next on my beginner’s list to learn something about.
I took the chance to photograph Phoebe and realised that I should introduce you to my Canon camera because you haven’t seen it yet. Another post I will enjoy writing. Phoebe was my model for the selfies on Sunday and some of the pictures I took are ones I can share.
These samples give an idea of what depth of field with a camera can look like. Sometimes that soft focus background really looks nice, especially for a nice cat picture, or when you want the background at home, which might be untidy, to disappear.
Depth of Field determines the closest and farthest objects in an image, both of which are in focus. The entire image between these objects also maintains sharp focus.
Dave Morrow
I wanted to find a clear definition of depth of field and most photography sites use the same general description. Dave Morrow’s definition is backed up by an impressive if slightly technical post via his link. NOTE: There is a pop-up on his site but, for once, it is worth dismissing it to read the post in full.
First let me show you my focus and depth of field fail.
For me as a cat lover DoF means a lovely close up in pin sharp focus and an impressive soft focused area behind it so my cats look awesome. This picture of Phoebe is not my best.
Is Av mode a good place to start?
Although I will be using different DSLR camera settings for different situations I believe Av mode is a good standby to start from especially if I am taking a picture of a ‘something, not a landscape shot. I still make use of the Canon camera pre-sets like sports mode or portrait mode.
AV mode lets you use the DoF to create lovely portraits.
I will report more of depth of field with my Canon camera after I have done some more reading. Manual mode will be mine, and yours one day but I am having so much fun exploring, and lots of post ideas.
This photograph worked best.
I have Phoebe and her fine whiskers in focus and the viewer’s eye travels down her dark-haired body to the fluffy tail after admiring her splendid whiskers. I’m not clever, I think it was a lucky shot, but one I am happy with.
What are you pleased to share this week? What post or tweet are you ready to shout about?
More DSLR and Smartphone posts:
Dorothy "FiveSibesMom" says
Great way to show DoF! Bravo! Phoebe is beautiful! Love your last portrait of her!
Melissa K. Clinton says
We definitely see why Harvey needed his own card! Great way to explain depth of field. Happy Pet Parading!
Sweet Purrfections says
Very nice work! The last photo is great! You are coming so far with your familiarity with the DSLR.
Talent Hounds says
Loving learning along. Those portraits are stunning
Holly/Emilia says
She’s lovely! Beautiful shots. And Harvey’s card is very cute.
Ruth Epstein says
What a fantastic camera and what a great shot, you always amaze me with your pics and I think I should move to NZ to learn photography from you LOL
Kamira says
A DSLR camera is on my wish list of future things to get, so I have to settle with my smartphone for now. However, I know this depth of field post will help a lot of people struggling.
Rebecca Sanchez says
Love photos that get the depth correct – it’s a magical effect! Just like our own eyes! You are getting pretty darned good – nice work!
Jana Rade says
Depth of field is such a wonderful tool; after all, that is how our eyes see things.
Lindsay Pevny says
This is really a great explanation of a technique we see in photographs that looks really pleasing, but it’s hard to really pull off. I actually just blurred a photo in Photoshop that had a messy background, same concept I guess – but it truly creates a stunning effect in the last photo of Pheebs.
Heather Wallace, The Timid Rider says
I really like your photos! I confess I still have trouble with my manual settings. When I bought my new Nikon, I adjusted the preset settings to how I like them and use those now to save time. Working with animals means I have to be on my game, especially at cross country and show jumping events when they are moving FAST. But I prefer the “Portrait” mode with the depth of field showcasing a softer background as much as possible otherwise.
Michelle & The Paw Pack says
Harvey is so cute! All the DSLR stuff goes a bit over my head, as I’ve never actually had one to work with. Hopefully someday! For now I’ve just been using my cell phone camera and my motto there is just do what looks good, haha. Apparently Depth of Field is something I’ve been working on, I just didn’t know the term for it before. Great post!
Cathy Armato says
This is so helpful! I’m trying to learn my camera, but I haven’t spent the time to watch videos on how to use it. Thanks! Have a great weekend.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Hindy Pearson says
I didn’t realise depth of field is what I’m interested in learning about. I took a picture of my husband in a restaurant with Jack, and hubby has so many controls on his phone he was able to keep the image of Jack in focus, while fading the rest of it. I have a bridge camera and still have no idea what the settings do, I wonder if I have that ability because your cat pictures look fab!
Charles Huss says
I have been practicing photography for over 30 years and still know a fraction of what there is to know. Plus, I get lazy sometimes and just let the camera decide. That works okay but considering depth of field before a shot will give you better results. If you are interested, I wrote about it here: https://badcatchris.com/2018/07/16/basic-photography-for-bloggers/
Marjorie Dawson says
I love your post! I am going to enjoy reporting on my journey and seeing what readers come up with too!
Summer says
Working with depth of field helps highlight the subject… or also can be used to tell a story. Love the pics!
Catscue Catmom says
Beautiful pictures – I’m impressed with your skill – I need to get better at pictures.
Brian Frum says
You sure are learning lots about the camera and that’s a terrific card Harvey!
Memories of Eric and Flynn says
The last photo turned out beautifully. Of course Phoebe is a lovely lady too.
Lone Star Cats says
It’s a great shot!
ERin the cat says
Yes, the last is definitely the very best, and she is such a lovely lass. DoF is an interesting subject, and once you get to grips with understanding how a camera lens works, then the whole thing falls into place. I look forwards to reading you upcoming posts, and seeing your camera.
Purrs
ERin