DEPTH OF FIELD

DEPTH OF FIELD DEFINITION: The depth of field is the distance between the nearest and furthest objects. The area within the depth of field appears in focus. In this photograph the foreground appears sharp and the area beyond appears blurry. Landscapes tend to have long depths of field whereas portrait photos tend to have shallow depths of field.

FACTUAL: This photograph is by an American photographer, Annie Leibovitz who became well known for her work with The Rolling Stones, who has also taken a picture of John Lennon.

The CONTEXT: This photograph is of Jude Law and a black Labrador. By what Jude is wearing and the fact that they are on the boat makes him look like an adventurer. There is also a hat resting between the boat and the board which makes him look more than just an adventurer, it makes him look like Indiana Jones. The river beyond him is blurry, so we don't know where he could be going. This picture raises many questions such as, where is he heading? This picture fits in with the theme of a few of her other photographs because no vibrant colours were used, the model is looking into the camera and it is like one other photo I have seen because an animal was used, in this case, the dog.

TECHNICAL: The size of the depth of field depends on 3 factors: the distance you are from the subject and the aperture and the focal length of the lens. I think this photograph was taken with a DSLR camera because it looks like a recent photo. I think some artificial light has been used to create the shadows on the river but she has also taken advantage of the natural light that shines on the river and that comes through the tree that Jude is sitting next to.

AESTHETICS: The sharpness of the foreground makes the characters in the photograph stand out. The sun shining on the water behind makes it look white, and when dark colours are put in the foreground it creates an aesthetically pleasing contrast. I really like this photo because Jude looks handsome and by seeing the river behind him makes you as the viewer read into it. I think by having the dog in the photo makes it interesting and better than if it was just Jude.

EXAMPLE

This photograph demonstrates a shallow depth of field, the main flower in the picture is enhanced while the other flowers are out of focus. In this picture there is limited depth of field because only a small amount of the picture is sharp.


 







This photograph demonstrates a long depth of field, it extends in front and behind the point of interest, which are the rocks and their reflections.


http://3oneseven.com/17/annie-leibovitz/annie_leibovitz_1/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/depth-of-field-explained-4631

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/fototech/htmls/depth.html