Depth of Field Assignment

Photo II students will be exploring the phenomenon of depth of field. Students will take a series of images using large and small aperture openings to create visually interesting, aesthetically pleasing images. Composition rules and lighting should be taken into consideration in each final image.

Depth of field refers to the range of distance that appears acceptably sharp. It varies depending on camera type, aperture and focusing distance, although print size and viewing distance can also influence our perception of depth of field. (Cambridge in Color)

Here are a couple of examples of images with a shallow depth of field:

Here are a couple of examples of deep depth of field:

Focal length: how far the object is from the front of the lens and it's size (telephoto or wide angle) also has an effect on DOF in an image.

Here is a diagram that explains depth of field.

Assignment: Students will shoot 1 roll of 35 mm film along with duplicate digital images of 24 images. Students will have 6 finals due from this project. 10 samples are also due in your idea journal along with explanations of where and how you would take a similar image.

1. Almost everything in focus (ex.F16)

2.Close object in focus-blur background (ex. F2.0)

3. Far object in focus-blur background (ex. F2.0)

4. Include a person-“selective focus”-blur in foreground and background,

clear in between (ex.F2.0)

5. A creative camera angle with deep depth of field (ex. F16)

6. One of your choice that uses depth-of-field

Materials:

1 roll of 24 exposure film

Camera

Tripod

Photography paper

Digital Camera

35 mm Film camera

Time frame:

3 Weeks

Vocabulary:

Depth of Field

Aperture

Aperture Priority Mode

Selective Focus

Circles of Confusion

Focal Length

Zone of acceptable sharpness is known as depth of field

Resources:

Depth of Field explained

Learning Targets:

Students will review and work with aperture/camera functions to create depth of field in their images

Students will learn how to compose an image in the view finder

Students will increase their technical ability through constant practice and increased experience

Wisconsin State Standards:

C.12.4 Use advanced design techniques to improve and/or change artwork

C.12.7 Apply advanced craft and skills to consistently produce quality art

J.4.2 Understand that the choice of materials and techniques influences the expressive quality of art