In this episode, you’ll learn all about focus, depth of field and bokeh. These concepts kind of go hand in hand and can truly change the quality of your photos. You will learn that it is not just about what is in focus or even the fact that is sharply in focus but also how it is in focus and what is not in focus.

What Exactly is Depth of Field?

Simply put, it’s the distance between the closest and farthest objects in a photo that look sharp. Cameras can only focus very sharply at one point, but the transition from sharp to blurred is a gradual one.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to get your images super-sharp and thinking that anything less is no good – there are many different definitions of acceptable sharpness, and they depend on different factors such as the size you are viewing the image at, what you are viewing it on, and it’s got something to do with what’s called the ‘circle of confusion’ – I’m not going to even attempt to explain that one to you, – it’s yet more maths and science, and I think it’s aptly named!

Bokeh

One other thing that’s worth a mention while we’re on the subject of DoF is ‘bokeh.’ Bokeh is a Japanese word that is used to describe the aesthetic or pleasing quality of the blur in shallow DoF images. Not all lenses produce the same ‘look’ to the blur in shallow DoF images. The lens determines the shape and size of the bokeh, which is affected by the shape of the diaphragm blades (the aperture) of the lens. Lenses with rounder blades will have more circular, softer orbs in the blur than those with more hexagonal blades. There are actually whole forums and websites dedicated to bokeh and whether a particular lens produces ‘ugly’ or ‘good’ bokeh!

Learn more and watch video tutorials here: https://photographyandfriends.com/what-is-depth-of-field/

About this podcast:

Are you a beginner photographer who wants to learn how to improve your photography? This is the perfect photography podcast for you.

In this podcast series, you'll learn how to expose with your camera - using the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings. You'll learn about composition, and what it takes to compose a better image using photography rules of thumb, as well as knowing how to break those rules. And finally, you'll learn how to tell stories with your photos.

If you want to take your photo skills even further, head over to PhotographyandFriends.com for free tutorials, premium courses, one-on-one coaching, and the friendliest photography community online.