"I've always believed a great photographer should concentrate more on depth of feeling and less on depth of field." — Max Dupain
Depth of field (DOF) has always been more than a technical aspect of my photography; it is a language I use to tell stories, evoke emotion, and explore introspection. In fine art photography, where images transcend the literal to embrace the poetic, I find that manipulating depth of field helps me shape how a viewer experiences my work. A well-considered depth of field can lead the eye, isolate the subject, or immerse the viewer in a dreamlike world. When I use it with intention, my camera becomes a brush, painting scenes with clarity, mystery, or ethereal softness.
Shallow Depth of Field: Intimacy and Abstraction
A shallow depth of field—achieved by using a wide aperture (such as f/1.4 to f/2.8)—creates a delicate separation between subject and background. I often use this technique to draw attention to a singular element within the frame, letting it emerge from a sea of blur. In my fine art photography, this selective focus instills a sense of intimacy, as though the viewer is peering into a private moment.
For example, in portraiture, I use a shallow depth of field to emphasize a subject’s eyes, allowing their gaze to hold an almost hypnotic pull. In conceptual photography, it transforms an everyday object into something dreamlike, an apparition floating within the scene. The background blur (or bokeh) itself becomes a painterly wash of colors and shapes, adding to the emotional impact of the image.
Deep Depth of Field: Narrative and Connection
Conversely, a deep depth of field—achieved by using a narrower aperture (such as f/8 to f/16)—keeps more of the image in sharp focus. This technique is effective in landscapes, environmental portraits, and narrative-driven fine art photography, where every detail contributes to the story.
By ensuring that foreground, middle ground, and background remain in focus, I invite the viewer to explore the entire image, uncovering layers of meaning. In my series exploring abandoned spaces, for instance, maintaining a sharp depth of field allows the cracked walls, scattered remnants, and distant windows to all participate in the story, evoking a sense of time’s passage.
The Emotional Dimension of Depth
Beyond technique, depth of field plays a role in the emotional resonance of an image. A shallow depth of field often conveys nostalgia, longing, or mystery, as though the world beyond the subject exists only in fragmented memory. A deep depth of field, in contrast, suggests clarity, reality, and presence, inviting the viewer to engage with the entire scene as a whole.
I often experiment with DOF to imbue my work with introspective depth. A blurred figure in the distance may symbolize absence or anonymity, while an in-focus path leading into the horizon can embody hope or endless possibility. By thoughtfully controlling the depth of the field, I create not just an image but also an experience.
Conclusion
For me, depth of field is more than a technical choice—it is a vehicle for emotion, storytelling, and artistic vision. Whether using shallow focus to highlight an ephemeral moment or deep focus to invite immersive exploration, the manipulation of DOF allows me to craft images that linger in the viewer’s mind. The key is intention: by understanding and mastering depth of field, I can transform a simple scene into a poetic meditation, a moment of introspection, or a world unto itself.