Photography Basics

Understanding Depth of Field

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Depth of Field is probably one of the more challenging areas of photography to understand.

depth of field graphic

In this graphic, the black line at 15′ is critically sharp.
This is where the lens is focused.
The yellow area would appear ‘acceptably sharp’…
The yellow represents the Depth Of Field.

Let’s begin with a workable definition.

Depth of field is that area of an image that is considered acceptably sharp … in other words it appears to be ‘in focus’.

There now, don’t you feel much clearer on this subject? NO! Well, not to worry. It is not as hard to grasp as you might fear.

To understand what the term acceptably sharp really means, it helps to know what actually happens when you focus your lens.

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