The Science of Deep Focus and the Hyperfocal Distance

Check out our complete lab course with bonus material and sauce:

Orson Welles is known for deeply choreographing the staging in Citizen Kane - but that blocking would have been lost if it wasn't in focus. In this Lab we explore the concept of Hyperfocal Distance and how you can utilize this concept to shoot deep focus shots to get the widest depth of field your lens is capable of.

If you have any further questions be sure to check out our questions page on Filmmaker IQ:

[Tstinzy]

This is probably one of the best videos on YouTube. Expertly explained and no extra bs. You are incredible!

[anaveragefilmmaker]

How is this man not a course teacher or something because he's better than almost every other person who I've learnt from in the years I've been studying

[johnschnorr]

I can't understand why this channel doesn't more subscribers. It's great, I'm mainly a stills photographer and I learn things every video. All those film school students out there should be watching this channel.

[sparkybluefox]

Mr Hess,

Once again, you take an arcane subject and make not only interesting, but downright FUN!
Thank you so much for treating us to another Awesome Filmaker IQ video. This is one I will surly watch again just to soak it all in.

In one word: BRAVO !

SBF

[amstradb]

Thank you John! Your videos are enlightening to say the least! I am 17 years in the television and advertising business and I am learning new stuff on each and every video you publish!

[ntinakoulas]

i am proud to say i finally understood everything about this video. i had to check some english terms and to ask some things to my school teacher BUT NOW I GET IT

[laromande]

You guys are doing a greater job on each video, this new lab series is truly amazing and all the technical aspects you go through are just so accessible and clear. Definitely my favorite channel, thanks a lot <3

[Ryantothec]

Thank you so much for making this video. I've been screaming the past several years that shallow depth of field and blurry backgrounds are an epidemic. It's crazy because now that everyone can do it with their DSLR, it's become synonymous with amateur video. It makes me sick watching too much shallow depth of field, shaky cam and super tight close ups!

[mskonicki]

Zero dislikes, better stay that way you jaded film students, this man is a genius.

[DIYCameraGuy]

I love using my old manual lenses when teaching DOF and Hyperfocus. It always a good day when I see your videos in my feed.

[cuisined]

Nothing short of Amazing+++. John Hess, every time I encounter one of your lectures I am so pleased to delve into them as they are food for thought. You are a bless to the industry and to those young filmmakers who exist and being inspired by folks like you. THANK YOU.

[lunacarmin]

Lubezki is amazing, natural light on the wild THE WHOLE MOVIE, a true achievement!! I also loved children of men from his work.

[Roamer_sea_manila]

I want more movie examples on your videos, that will make them perfect

[antonioarrm]

Excellent video as always! You are truly great, I used to teach photography and I really appreciate the effort you put into these awesome videos! Keep up the magnificent work please!!

[syekbe]

Love your channel, I'm so glad you guys are back!

[MaxxMcGeeImpactStudios]

Amazing episode! Such a damn high quality you provide in these videos.

[gabrielsmith]

ask people to like your videos! You guys deserve it!

[neilseiffer]

Great video. Coming from a film background and a still photographer, as a DP I'm experiment with adapting my 40mm Zeiss Distagon lens to my canon 5D Mark 3 using a fotodiox Hasselblad lens adaptor. It does convert the lens to approx. 64mm with an impressive "deep focus." Keep in mind that shallow depth of field in commercial films sometimes is necessary to prevent background objects from being identified for copyright and trademark issues.

[TheFilmLook]

Thank you for sharing this! Will be testing this technique out on the next short film, awesome stuff :D

[uzyoc]

I have new respect for the “Director of Photography “ in movies