Going Deeper - Images with a Limited Depth of Field

The following are three images, each displaying how a shallow depth of field can enhance an image, or at the very least make for an interesting composition.  Also, there is an example of how a wide aperture can be misused.

This photograph is a perfect example of what a shallow depth of field can do for a photograph.  The mushrooms in this picture seem to be something beyond ground cover - they are dramatic, standing apart from their blurry, out-of-focus counterparts.  This technique grabs the viewer, telling them that this is important subject matter that deserves their attention.  This works, even if the subject is a collection of fungi.

This picture also uses a shallow depth of field, but not quite to the same pleasing effect as in the image above.  Let me be understood - this image is alright... It's just not quite to my taste.  The reason for this is that it is almost a little difficult to look at.  The effect is interesting, but perhaps would work slightly better with something other than concrete.  Again, personally, I find it hard to look at the image with it blurred to this extent and in this manner.

It is not as though the overall grey cast to the concrete image is what I dislike.  This image is a perfect example of what shallow depth of field can be used for - making a small, interesting detail the focus of a composition.  I chose this image primarily because of the color scheme.  If the background was not out of focus, then the metal ornamentation would not show up.  However, since the spirals are the only thing in focus, they are wonderfully visible.  This is merely one of the many ways to use shallow depth of field to benefit an image.


-Kelly F.