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The range of distance within the subject that is acceptably sharp is called the depth of field. This technique often depends on the camera. The factors that usually affect the outcome of a depth of field technique are focal length of the lens, distance of the camera to the subject, and aperture size.

Focal length of the lens. The focal length of the lens is inversely proportional to the depth of field, meaning, the greater you want the depth of field, the smaller your focal length number (number of the lens) should be. An example us using a 28mm lens that has the ability to capture more of the picture in sharp focus than a 100mm lens.

Distance of the camera to the subject. This time, you should take note that the depth of field is directly proportional to distance, meaning, a subject with a greater distance to the camera, the greater depth of field you’ll have (than an extremely close-up or close-up subject) Hence, a depth of field shot has distant subjects that are out of focus.

Aperture size. Adjust the aperture setting if you want to have a foreground or background while having the subject in focus. The wider the aperture, the shallower is the depth of field.

The Rule of Thirds
Basis for well-balanced and interesting shots

The Rule of Thirds is perhaps one of the first things a budding photographer should know (aside from camera parts and principles). It serves as the foundation of knowledge of every photographer, novice and experts alike.

The Rule of Thirds in photography is about creating imaginary lines, drawn to divide the composition equally into thirds, 2 lines run horizontally and 2 lines run vertically. The grid would end up with a 3 by 3 or 9 blocks.

How is the Rule of Thirds applied in Photography?

Photographers use the Rule of Thirds to emphasize an image or put the most important element of a composition in its strongest position.

With this grid in mind the ‘rule of thirds’ now identifies four important parts of the image that you should consider placing points of interest in as you frame your image.

Not only this - but it also gives you four ‘lines’ that are also useful positions for elements in your photo.

Studies have shown that when viewing images that people’s eyes usually go to one of the intersection points most naturally rather than the center of the shot - using the rule of thirds works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it.

In the above photo, the subject is placed at the center of the composition. This made the subject weak, and  the photo uninteresting. That’s why in the theory, placing the most important element of your composition in the intersecting lines or along the lines makes a photo well-balanced and interesting, creating impact to the viewers.