Understanding Types of Depth of Field in Film
Depth of field is represented by the range of distance in which an object appears acceptably sharp. The term Depth of field (DOF) is used as a description of the area of an image. In which objects appear sharp or in focus. Specifically, when the image falls within the plane of focus. The DOF is governed by the angle at which rays pass over the camera sensor after entering the lens. Different types of depth of field in film can be achieved by adjusting camera settings. Resulting in a shallow, deep, or medium depth of field.
Understanding Depth of Field
Firstly, the depth of field is represented by the amount of area. In which an object would remain sharp within the camera view. Think of it this way, if you were to look down a very long hallway, you would have infinite depth.
If you were to walk forward a bit, and add a door along the way, every so many feet. You would then have a way of measuring the distance of the depth of field of that hallway.
Z-Space
The area between the doors of the hallway, could resemble the z-space which is also referred to as the “field.” Measuring the distance between the first door, and the second door, would give you the depth of your field.
Thus, the field is represented by the amount of physical space that is visible and the depth is the distance is the measurement of that space.
Types of Depth of Field
Different types or areas of depth of field will result from different adjustments to camera settings. So, the depth of field is impacted by aperture, focal length, and distance from the subject to the camera. When these elements are adjusted, your depth of field is also adjusted.
The types of depth of field are as follows:
Shallow Depth of Field
This is used to create intimacy between your subject and your audience. Moreover, a shallow depth of field is represented by a narrow range in which the objects would be sharp within the image.
You might have seen shallow depth of field used to isolate a particular character in a setting or to eliminate distractions from the background or foreground of a scene.
Deep Depth of Field
A deep depth of field is used to show the vast area of a scene. Often to convey a sense of grandeur and show a large group or crowd.
Furthermore, deep depth of field means the majority of an area, the foreground and background too, will be in focus.
This is commonly used to show the audience an environment and connect them to the setting.
Medium Depth of Field
As simple as it may seem, a medium depth of field is a mix of the two. There’s an average ability to see the foreground and the background in focus, but it’s not a huge area nor is it a small area.
Medium depth of field is used to tell the story of the subject and his connection to the environment without getting too close.
As you can see, these different types of depth of field can be used throughout a story to develop different perspectives and elements of a scene.