In this article, we'll cover two important concepts related to light and focus: shallow depth of field and hyperfocal length. They can help us achieve the effect of bokeh and clear panorama respectively, and are two powerful tools for photographers.
What is shallow depth of field?
Depth of field refers to the range that is clearly displayed in **, and it is determined by the aperture, focal length, and focusing distance of the lens. In general, the larger the aperture, the longer the focal length, and the closer the focusing distance, the shallower the depth of field;Conversely, the smaller the aperture, the shorter the focal length, and the farther the focusing distance, the deeper the depth of field. Shallow depth of field refers to a situation where the depth of field is small, that is, only the area near the focus point is sharp, and the area before and after the focus point is blurred.
Suitable for scenarios with a shallow depth of field.
The main function of shallow depth of field is to highlight the subject and separate it from the background, so as to achieve the effect of emphasizing the subject and creating visual impact. The shallow depth of field is suitable for the following scenarios:
Portrait photography: A shallow depth of field allows the face or body parts of a person to be clear, while the background is blurred, thus highlighting the temperament and mood of the person, and also avoiding the distractions and clutter of the background. For example, using a telephoto lens with a wide aperture and focusing on a person's eyes or lips can create a three-dimensional and artistic portrait**. Macro photography: A shallow depth of field can make small objects or details clear while the surrounding environment blurs, thus highlighting macro subjects and can also create dreamy and fantastic effects. For example, using a macro lens with a large aperture and focusing on the stamens of a flower or the eyes of an insect can create a macro with charm and vitality**.
Creative Photography: A shallow depth of field can make some particular objects or scenes clear and others blurred, highlighting creative themes and producing some unexpected effects. For example, using a wide-angle lens with a wide aperture and focusing on a glass sphere or water droplet, you can shoot creatively with inversion and distortion**. What is a hyperfocal length?
Super focal length refers to the minimum focusing distance that can ensure that both the subject and infinity are clear at a certain aperture and focal length. The principle of hyperfocal length is to take advantage of the distribution characteristics of depth of field, that is, there is a certain sharp range before and after the focus point, and the sharp range after the focus point is larger than the sharp range before the focus point. When the focusing distance is equal to the hyperfocal length, the sharp range behind the focus point extends just to infinity, and the sharp range before the focus point is also maximized, so that the maximum depth of field can be obtained.
Applicable scenarios for hyperfocal lengths.
The main function of the hyperfocal length is to maximize the depth of field, so that the nearest object to the farthest object is clear, so as to achieve the effect of showing the panorama and creating a sense of space and depth. The hyperfocal length is suitable for the following scenarios:
Landscape photography: The hyperfocal length can make the foreground, middle and far of the landscape clear, so as to show the breadth and detail of the landscape, and can also express the layers and changes of the landscape. For example, using a wide-angle lens with a small aperture, focusing at a hyperfocal position, you can shoot landscapes with a field of view and momentum**. Architectural photography: The superfocal length can make the whole and details of the building clear, so as to show the style and characteristics of the building, and can also express the structure and function of the building. For example, using a standard lens with a small aperture, focusing on a hyperfocal length, can capture buildings with aesthetics and realism**.
Documentary photography: The hyperfocal length can make the recorded scene and people clear, so as to show the reality and vividness of the recording, and can also show the background and environment of the recording. For example, using a telephoto lens with a small aperture, focusing at a hyperfocal length, can capture a record with a story and emotion**. Summary.
Shallow depth of field and hyperfocal length are two important concepts related to light and focus, which can help us achieve the effect of bokeh and clear panorama respectively, and are two powerful tools for photographers. Mastering their principles and usage can make us more expressive and creative. Of course, they are not the only photography skills, there are many other factors and methods that can affect the effect of **, and we need to continue to learn Xi and practice.