Depth of field, in very simple words, is the area of our photograph that is in focus and sharp. By controlling this aspect, we can achieve that effect where our subject is perfectly in focus while the background, with a soft blur, seems to fade away. Personally, I really like that effect, and the best part is that it can be applied to anything we want to capture.
So, if you want to know more in depth about depth of field (DOF), stick with me because we are going to look at it in more detail, and I will give you some tips and tricks so that you can master DOF in a technical and applied way.
Factors That Affect Depth of Field
Depth of field is not a mysterious concept. It is determined by three main factors that you can easily control. Mastering them will give you extraordinary creative control over your images.
Aperture: Your Best Ally
The aperture (also called f-stop) is probably the most well-known and easy factor to adjust. It works like this:
- Small f-numbers (f/1.8, f/2.8) = Shallow depth of field. The subject will be sharp, but the background will be beautifully blurred.
- Large f-numbers (f/11, f/16) = Deep depth of field. Both the foreground and the background will appear in focus.
Do you want that blurry background effect in your portraits? Open the aperture to the maximum (smallest f-number your lens allows). Do you need everything in your landscape to look sharp? Close the aperture (use a larger f-number).
Focal Length: The Power of Your Lens
The lens you choose will dramatically and directly impact depth of field:
- Wide-angle lenses (16-35mm): These lenses naturally offer greater depth of field, making it easier to keep the entire scene sharp.
- Telephoto lenses (70-200mm and more): These lenses instead compress the depth of field, creating a more dramatic separation between the subject and the background.
Portrait photographers generally prefer lenses in the 85mm or 135mm range, as they allow perfect isolation of subject and background, even without using extremely large apertures.
Distance to target
This is a very basic concept but one that we must keep in mind. The closer our lens is to the subject, the shallower the depth of field will be. For example:
- Getting closer to your target: reduces the depth of field, which means the background is more out of focus.
- Moving away from your target: It works the other way around, the farther away you are from your target, the sharper the elements will be in your photo.
With this you will be able to control precisely which parts of your photo will be in focus and which will be out of focus.
How to Control Depth of Field
Now that you know the factors that determine depth of field, it’s time to learn how to control them practically. With these techniques, you can achieve exactly the effect you want in every situation.
Creating Perfect Blurred Backgrounds (Bokeh)
The famous “bokeh”—that effect of a softly blurred background that is so impactful—is not a matter of luck. To achieve it:
- Select the widest aperture of your lens (f/1.8, f/2.8).
- Use a telephoto or long focal length lens if possible.
- Move closer to your subject while maintaining a good distance between it and the background.
- Look for backgrounds with points of light or colors that will create attractive bokeh circles.
An additional trick: position your subject so that there is at least 2-3 meters of distance to the background. This will maximize the separation effect.
Maximizing Sharpness in Landscapes and Architecture
To achieve those shots where everything looks perfectly defined from the foreground to the horizon:
- Close the aperture to values between f/8 and f/11 (avoid closing too much, as beyond f/16 diffraction may appear).
- Use a short focal length (wide-angle lenses).
- Focus approximately 1/3 of the distance into your composition (hyperfocal point).
- Consider using a tripod to maintain sharpness, as closed apertures require slower speeds.
Mastering Aperture Priority Mode (A/Av)
To have total control over the depth of field, Aperture Priority mode is your best option:
- Select mode A (Nikon, Sony) or Av (Canon) on your camera.
- Choose the aperture according to the effect you want.
- The camera will automatically adjust the appropriate shutter speed.
- Keep an eye on the ISO to ensure the resulting speed is practical.
This mode allows you to focus exclusively on the depth of field while the camera takes care of the rest of the exposure.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and step out of your comfort zone. Try different combinations of these settings to see how they affect your images, and you will soon be controlling depth of field with precision and confidence.
Practical Applications by Photography Type
Depth of field is not just a technical concept, but a creative tool that is applied differently depending on the photographic genre. Let’s see how to get the most out of it in specific situations.
Portraits with Soft Backgrounds
In portrait photography, a shallow depth of field is your best ally:
- Use wide apertures between f/1.4 and f/2.8 to completely isolate your subject.
- Prioritize 50mm, 85mm, or 135mm lenses that enhance this effect.
- Keep the subject at least 2 meters away from the background.
- Always focus on the eyes to maintain the essential connection with the viewer.
A practical tip: if you are photographing more than one person in different planes, slightly increase the aperture (f/4 or f/5.6) to ensure that all faces are sharp.
Landscapes with Edge-to-Edge Sharpness
For spectacular landscapes where every detail counts:
- Work with apertures between f/8 and f/11 to maximize sharpness.
- Use the hyperfocal point technique: focus approximately 1/3 of the total distance of the scene.
- Incorporate elements of interest in both the foreground and the background.
- Do not close the aperture too much (avoid f/22) to prevent diffraction that reduces overall sharpness.
Remember that dawn and dusk light not only offers spectacular colors but also allows you to use medium apertures without the need for ND filters.
Macro Photography: Mastering Extreme Limitation
In macro photography, the depth of field is so shallow that it requires special techniques:
- Although it may seem contradictory, use smaller apertures (f/8 to f/16) to get enough focused area.
- Consider the “focus stacking” technique to combine several images focused at different points.
- Use a tripod and a remote shutter release or timer to eliminate any vibration.
- Work with diffused light to avoid extreme contrasts that complicate exposure.
An additional trick: in macro, even the slightest movement can ruin the focus. If you work outdoors, photograph in the early morning hours when there is less wind.
These specific techniques for each genre will allow you to take full advantage of the depth of field, transforming a technical concept into a powerful tool of visual expression that will define your photographic style.
Conclusion
Depth of field is much more than a simple technical concept — it is a creative tool that can completely transform your photographs. Throughout this article, you have discovered how this fundamental element can be controlled and strategically applied to achieve exactly the visual effect you are looking for.
Remember the key points: aperture, focal length, and distance to subject are the three factors that determine how much of your image will appear sharp. By playing with these variables, you can isolate your subject with creamy bokeh or capture vast landscapes with sharpness in every detail.
The most important thing is that you practice constantly. Theory only comes to life when you apply it in the field. Take your camera, set your dial to Aperture Priority mode (A/Av), and experiment with different settings to see the results for yourself. Photograph the same subject at f/2.8 and then at f/11 — compare the images and analyze the differences.
There is no universal “correct” setting for depth of field. The best choice will always depend on your creative vision and the story you want to tell with each image. Sometimes you will want that completely blurred background, other times you will need every element to be perfectly distinguishable.
Now you have the knowledge necessary to make depth of field your ally.