In part 1, we learned about the 101 on Aperture. We learned about the definition of aperture, and depth of field, and how the two are important to ensuring subjects are in focus while creating that delicious bokeh.
In part 2, we’ll take a look at those same settings, but also how distance between the camera and subject is also a factor in getting the right exposure for that perfect straight-out-of-the-camera (SOOC) image.
Same Aperture Setting, Same Lens, Different Distance
When space allows for it, I always shoot wide open regardless of whether I’m photographing a baby, 2 wiggly toddlers, or a family of 20. The benefit of shooting wide open is none other than the natural light entering the lens. In photography, the 3 main components for nailing exposure are aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. To ensure my images are as clear as possible, meaning not grainy especially in low light scenarios, I shoot wide open whenever I can regardless of how large my subject is. Shooting wide open as we recall from Part 1 also creates a more shallow depth of field.
So how do you keep everyone in focus if the aperture is wide open and the multiple subjects are not on the exact same plane? The answer is Distance or space.
The distance between the camera and the subject(s) is a huge factor in achieving the desirable depth of field and focus in a photograph. To keep numerous subjects in focus while still shooting wide open, you will need to be further from the subjects. This causes the depth of field to be greater, therefore more is in focus.
Below are examples all taken at 1.8f using 35mm Prime Lens. Notice how regardless of the number of subjects, they are all in focus? But noticed how the background is more easily identifiable in some compared to others?
When the depth of field is shallow, less is in focus if subjects are not on the same plane. This too occurs when the focal length is larger or for prime lens, the subject is closer to the camera.
In below example, the aperture setting is f/1.8 on a 35mm lens on a full-frame camera. I, the photographer, was about 10 feet from the model. From this, you can see with my close proximity to the model, the model is well in focused and the background is a bit of a blur.
When the camera is closer to the subject, the depth of field is shallow because the focus point is close.
In this next example of the same exact scene, pose, and camera settings, but with a difference of nearly 20 feet between the camera and the model, the depth of field is quite larger.
The model is fully in frame and in focused, but so is everything in the foreground and background. While, we can see that the background has a slight blur to it, for the most part everything is close to sharp.
Next time you are out shooting, try setting your camera setting to being wide open and shoot from different distances only. Try shooting wide open at a distance of 10 feet, 20 feet, even 30 feet with the same focal length. Also try with numerous subjects in one frame on different planes. You will find that more will be in focused when the distance or focal length is larger/farther. Lastly, if you have different focal length lens, play around at how the same distance between you and the subject using different focal length can have a powerful impact on bokeh! One of my favorite focal length lens to use is 70-200mm. I love shooting at 200mm 2.8f when I can.
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