What is Shallow Focus in Film?
Shallow focus is a term used to describe the technique of producing an increased length of focus in which the camera comes closer to the subject to create a blurred effect. Shallow focus can help you produce an emphasis on a particular part of an image to attract the audience to an area of the frame or subject. We’re answering the question, “What is shallow focus in film?” and showing you how the use of shallow depth of field can be achieved on the film set.
Shallow Focus Definition
Shallow focus is the term used to describe a narrow depth of field in which just a single plane of the frame appears sharp and clear while the remaining areas are blurred and essentially unfocused.
Generally the foreground is crisp and clear in a shallow focus scene whereas the middle ground and the background would be out of focus or blurred.
Drawing Attention
Shallow focus draws attention to the subject or area that is focused while reducing the value or interference of anything else in the focal length.
By widening the aperture and increasing the focal length of the lens, or by placing the camera at an area that is closer to the subject, the background is blurred producing a shallow focus.
The subject becomes sharp and powerfully visible as the background and foreground elements are blurred emphasizing the subject and drawing the audience’s attention to this area.
Why Do Cinematographers Use Shallow Focus?
Shallow focus is used for a variety of reasons in cinematography.
Most commonly, shallow focus can be used to:
- Keep a single plane (usually the foreground) in focus.
- Isolate the visibility of interference to produce focus on a single subject.
- Attract viewers to a particular element of a scene by bringing it into focus and blurring out the surrounding elements.
Depth of Field
Cinematographers use shallow depth of field or shallow focus to make a subject or object stand out. We see this when the aesthetic character of a particular object of the scene or when a certain subject of the scene is the primary focus of the dialogue.
We want viewers to be attracted to the object or subject as opposed to anywhere else on the scene. This is very prominent for an interview, so it’s important to understand how to frame an interview.
Shallow Focus Tips & Tricks
To produce shots with shallow focus, consider the following tips and tricks to make the most out of your shots:
- Create distance between your subject and other objects by moving your camera closer to the subject to produce a pseudo-macro environment that makes the background of your shoot appear to be blurred.
- Focus on your subject’s eyes to bring the audience’s attention to the character.
- Shoot with a wide aperture lens that is capturing the scene at a low f-stop number to capture the best shallow focus footage. For a more cost-friendly approach, use a prime lens to increase the aperture of your shoot.
- Us a full-frame sensor if possible versus a cropped sensor camera. If you intend to shoot shallow focus footage, prepare for the shoot by choosing a camera with a slimmer lens as a wider lens will naturally produce a less blurred background.
The Takeaway
Still need help with shallow focus? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call to discuss various camera angles and shots that can be used to bring energy and emotion to your film. We can’t wait to work with you on your next film project.
*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.