Focus

and

Filter Effects

Focus refers to the relative clarity or blur and grain of a photo.

Clarity refers to how sharp and clear the image is.

A clear shot is said to have a “hard” focus.

This shot has a hard focus

Sometimes the type of shot or the intended mood of the shot calls for a less sharp or slightly blurry focus.

Filters or software filter effects can create a “soft” focus - which results in a dreamy or mysterious mood.

A photographer may want to create a grainy shot that seems out of focus. There may also be “noise” purposely used to add to the feeling of a shot.

In these shots a “fog” filter is used to create the softer and dreamier result.

Depth of Field refers to how much of the photo is in focus.

If the entire shot is sharp and clear it is said to have a deep depth of field. This type of focus is needed for distance shots like landscapes when you want as much of the scenery as possible to be seen.

A shallow depth of field is when the subject of the photo is sharp and clear ( in focus) while the background is blurred ( sometimes the foreground is blurred and the subject is in the middle or background of the shot, in focus).

This technique aids in drawing attention to your subject by making it stand out from the background ( or what is around it).

Depth of field comparison: left is deep; right is shallow

Depth of field is created by adjusting the aperture of the camera. A large aperture ( low f stop # ) creates a large opening and a deeper depth of field.

A small aperture ( high f stop # ) will create a deeper depth of field.

Depth of field can be created in different ways:

1. Adjusting the aperture manually.

2. Using close up (macro) mode with your subject in the foreground ( set the target as object nearest the lens) - the background will be blurred.

3. Set the focus target to your choice and target the subject in the middle or “back” of the shot and the foreground will be blurred.

4. Use software (like Photoshop) to select the subject and then blur the background - or any area of the photo as much as you want.

Lastly, some cameras and software programs like Photoshop have filters that you can apply after you have taken your shots to create a wide range of interesting and powerful effects such as : motion blur to simulate speed and movement; radial blur, sepia and retro photo effects, warp, liquefy, starburst, spotlight, colours, rain, etc.