What is Shallow Depth of Field in Film

Depth of field is a term that is commonly used to describe the area in which an object would remain acceptably sharp when filmed. We refer to depth of field generally in one of several ways: Shallow depth of field, deep depth of field, or medium depth of field. But what is Shallow depth of field in film?

What is Shallow Depth of Field?

Shallow depth of field represents the area around a subject that is in focus and is generally a shallow or smaller area. When a shallow depth of field is mentioned, the cinematographer or the director requesting the shallow depth of field is stating that the area in focus is narrow or thin. 

Shallow depth of field represents a small, narrow area of an image that is in focus. This often occurs when the background or the foreground is blurred and only a small area of the subject is within focus. 

How is Shallow Depth of Field Achieved? 

Shallow depth of field is achieved generally by increasing the aperture. So that there is more light to enter the lens and pass over the film sensor.

Shallow depth of field can also be achieved by moving closer to the subject. So that only a small portion of the subject is focused comparative to the rest of the area. 

Shallow depth of field is achieved by creating a blurring effect which results from the adjustment of the focal length of the lens comparative to the subject.

Moving the camera closer to the subject will result in parts of the image being blurred out, this is a narrow area of focus, also known as shallow depth of field.

How to Decrease Depth of Field

As we answer the question, “What is shallow depth of field in film?” And seek to provide ways to decrease depth of field, it’s important to consider the basics.

Depth of field is represented by the area in which an object can be to remain visibly sharp. The depth is the area, the field is the placement of the object that will remain sharp.

Thus, to decrease the depth of field, making it smaller, you can:

• Choose a lower f/number by widening the aperture of your camera.
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• Move the camera closer to the subject being filmed.
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• Create distance between the two subjects being filmed.
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• Use a longer lens to increase the focal length.

In Summation

All of these steps can add to creating a shallow depth of field. Which is often used to create a sense of closeness between the audience and the character. Muting out any background distractions or potential distractions in the foreground.