Random Photography Thoughts Shallow Depth of Field in Studio
Special thanks to Lana for being my test subject. You can follower her here: Lana Koz
In the studio, it is fairly popular to just set your aperture at f8 or f11 focus on the eyes and forget about it. Just keep the whole subject in focus.
But why do people do this, why don’t we use Depth of Field to direct the viewers eye to the part of the image we want.
Just like how we use light to direct the viewers eyes can we not add DOF to the equation and do the same thing?
So here are a few examples and comments of me playing with shallow DOF. Spoiler, sometimes it works, sometimes it does not, but why?
Most of the images are shot at f5.6 and 100mm at a distance of about 2m, so the DOF is 13cm (6.2cm in front and 6.8 behind the focal point. Yes, I could have done f2.8 but then I think the DOF would have been too shallow.
Example 1
This is an easy win when it comes to DOF. Subject is straight on camera, focus is on the hand and it lets the shoulder fall softly out of focus. A little punchy light and shadow on the hand to help grab your attention.
Example 2
This one I think is a fail. The back of the left hand steals the focus since it is so bright and I think a shot like this should have everything in focus, the clavicles would definitely be nicer if they were sharper.
Example 3
I think this one works. Strong focus point for the eye start at but you still tour around the image.
The eye starts with the hand in focus, moves over to the left shoulder following the highlight on the shirt. The focus softens a bit so the eye wanders and finds the nipple in focus. From there the eye follows the stretch marks of the shirt back to the hand. Making a nice tour for the eyes to follow.
Example 4
Does this one work? I think it does… Strong focal point with the clavicle not the hand. The light was nicest on the shoulder so it was the focal point. The lack of focus on the hand I think helps push the eye back to the shoulder.
Example 5 and 6
Subject on a slight angle away from camera, this heightens the effect of a shallow DOF, since there is more distance from the focal point and the other body parts in the image.
If I did this again I would add a bounce card camera left to add more light to the hand. But I like how the hand being in focus helps tell a story. Somewhat successful use of DOF.
Example 7
This was shoot at f5.6, I think it should have been done at f8 or f11 so the right arm would have been sharper. Plus a little fill light would have helped.
For reference f5.6 at 100mm with a distance to the subject of 2m has a DOF of 12.8cm, so 6.2 cm will be in focus in front of your focal point and 6.8 cm behind. f8 has a DOF of 18.3cm and f11 has a DOF of 25.2cm, so even with the body on an angle f11 would have had from shoulder to shoulder sharp.
Example 8 and 9 - What not to do
A few failures. In the first image her right hand is in focus, but in this composition her left arm is just as important so the use of a shallow DOF is not effective. Same idea with the second image, both hands are important and should be in focus.
Example 10
Focus point is the face, I like the pose but could have used a fill. And I think f11 would have worked better again to have everything in focus.
Example 11
Just a meh photo, I like how the hands are in focus and the focus falls off at the elbows but the right arm could be better positioned.
Example 12
Still a meh photo. I like the right arm position but the hand causes too much shadow to be cast on her upper chest, but the DOF works
Example 13 - Lesson Learned, Maybe
Just like how DOF can help tell a story it can hurt an images just as easily. It can make a portion of the image very distracting. So if you are using a shallow DOF it is important to keep all the important bits that you want to draw attention to on the same focal plane. It can be a cool effect but you can not apply it to every composition.
Example 14 - Since I did not want to end it on 13
Want to see a few more images of Lana, try this gallery: Lana