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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
depth of field

Shadow
Veteran

Jul 9, 2006, 5:06 PM

Post #1 of 8 (619 views)
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depth of field	Can't Post

In general, for those who do photography, do you usually do a shallow, mid or long depth of field for your wedding pics? What would be a good setting to generally go with?

I really like the look of a shallow dop but find it sometimes hard to target the focus (might just be the 20 year old slr I'm using, who knows).

Do you find that brides have a particular taste or is it just individual styles and choice?

Cheers
H

Jenn M
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Jul 9, 2006, 6:12 PM

Post #2 of 8 (614 views)
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Re: [Shadow] depth of field [In reply to]	Can't Post

I would say it depends on what you want in the background. If you are going for a landscape shot, where the background counts, you would want a wider depth of field. If the focus is the people, then a more shallow DOF. Or if it's a yucky background or lacking interest.

I would guess brides dig the more shallow DOF b/c it's something different - that they can't achieve with a point and shoot. Just like w/ video - anything that make us stand out from Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary.

hlanden
The Dean / Moderator

Jul 10, 2006, 1:35 PM

Post #3 of 8 (586 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] depth of field [In reply to]	Can't Post

I agree with Jenn and think most portraits are done with a shallow DOF unless you are placing the subject in a certain environment.

Hal
Produce Profitable Special Interest Videos

Postal Boy
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Jul 10, 2006, 2:28 PM

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Re: [hlanden] depth of field [In reply to]	Can't Post

We taped a wedding where the large blowup of the bride was with her in a large meadow...very shallow DoF so everything in the background was almost an abstract wash/out...I really liked it, made the bride the complete focus. However, several people complained saying "you can't see what is behind her...I want to see where she is!"...To me, these people missed the point of a bridal photo, eh?

-Postal

Shadow
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Jul 11, 2006, 12:19 AM

Post #5 of 8 (562 views)
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Re: [Postal Boy] depth of field [In reply to]	Can't Post

I would have agreed with you on the shallow dof. I asked another client of mine yesterday what she looked for when she picked her photographer. She said "none of this artsy out of focus stuff, everything was sharp". I thought 'eww' but what do I know?

I had day 1 of 3 with a professional photographer today, it was awesome, I learned so much today, tips on pre-focusing, flipping the picture to see if it looks better, plus techniques for shooting different body types and facial types to make them the most flattering.

Now if I could only afford a nice new camera. :)

Jenn M
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Jul 11, 2006, 12:40 AM

Post #6 of 8 (559 views)
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Re: [Shadow] depth of field [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

She said "none of this artsy out of focus stuff, everything was sharp". I thought 'eww' but what do I know?

I wonder if she meant DOF or if she saw some bad PS effects with overused "soft focus" filters? Or even lens filters - the stuff that reminds me of the 70's and 80's. eek.

Would you mind sharing some of the prefocusing tips? Was it mainly for, say, processional, recessional, moving subjects?

Shadow
Veteran

Jul 11, 2006, 10:54 PM

Post #7 of 8 (528 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] depth of field [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Jenn

Maybe it was PS stuff. I quite like the shallow dof.
I just bought the canon 20d tonight but didn't have any left over for a fancy lens. Just got a small 30 - 70 (I think... where did that camera go...) I went to change the iso and buggered it up somehow with a funky stobe thing that now it won't take pictures. Better get the manual out.

I'd be happy to share the pre-focus tips, yes he uses it for the processional. I will have to think of how to write it - pm me and I'll type it out so it makes sense.
Tomorrow is the last day training with the photographer. He asked if I wanted to shadow him on the weekend at a wedding, I'm pretty happy about it. It was well worth the money to train with him.

Dieps
User

Jul 11, 2006, 11:49 PM

Post #8 of 8 (524 views)
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Re: [Shadow] depth of field [In reply to]	Can't Post

First let me say I'm not a photo pro bust have done some sport team shots, both portraits and team. DOF has to change for different types of still pictures just as it does in video. In fact, I think DOF is more important (and controllable) in photos than video.

You can change DOF for artistic reasons but you also have to change it for differnet types of pictures.

If you want a blurry background with a shallow DOF then use the smallest aperture possible - say f2.8. If you want a clear background use something like f22. You gotta remember the f2.8 setting will only give you sharp focus on a small area so group shots, like a big Bridal party, need to be taken with a wider DOF or something like f16 or f22. If you don't, the B/G might look great but anyone more than a couple feet away will be out of focus.

I am contantly trying to remember to get the best combination of ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Practice, practice, practice!

Jim

PD-170, VX-2000 (2), TRV-900
Sony Wireless, iRiver, Mini Discs, other stuff
Canon 20D with some lenses