Depth of field photography describes how much of a scene appears acceptably sharp around the focused distance. Background blur is one possible use, but a wide aperture is not the only way to get it. Subject distance, background distance, focal length and camera format all affect the look.
Depth of field photography: four controls to compare
1. Aperture
On the same camera and lens, a lower f-number such as f/2.8 is a wider opening than f/8 and usually yields a shallower depth of field when framing and distance stay the same. It also admits more light at a fixed shutter speed. Nikon’s aperture guide explains the connection. Our aperture page has more examples.
2. Subject distance
Move closer to the subject, while keeping focus, and the in-focus zone can look thinner. At very short distances, a wide aperture may leave only a small detail sharp. For a portrait, check both eyes at the final viewing size rather than choosing the lowest f-number automatically.
3. Background distance
Place the subject farther from the background and it may blur more without changing lenses. A messy background can sometimes be fixed simply by moving the subject or your viewpoint. See our portrait guide for framing and light.
4. Focal length and framing
Changing focal length and camera position together changes perspective and background size as well as blur. Compare from the same position first, then match subject size and compare again. Do not claim a specific lens always gives the same result across cameras.
Want to go further? The ShutYourAperture Academy’s The Aperture Bible (7 modules, 28+ lessons) is built to help you control depth, bokeh and focus.
Try a controlled depth of field test
Photograph a person or object with a distinct background. Hold camera and subject positions fixed; change only the f-number and let the camera adjust shutter or ISO as necessary. Then keep the aperture fixed and move the subject farther from the background. Compare sharpness on the subject and the shape of out-of-focus details. For a landscape, decide which foreground and background details matter rather than assuming f/11 will make everything sharp.
Focus stacking can extend apparent sharpness for a still scene, but moving subjects and alignment complicate it. Choose the simplest method that gets the important detail in focus.
Carry the camera between comparisons
A black Peak Design Slide Lite camera strap, model SLL-BK-3, is one carry option when moving between depth-of-field exercises. Check the camera attachment points and the full camera-and-lens weight before buying. Follow the attachment instructions and inspect the anchors. A strap does not change depth of field or make the focus choice for you. Keep position changes separate from the controlled aperture comparison. Compare the current retailer specifications; no hands-on test, price or stock promise is being made here.
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