How to Use Depth of Field in Photography - Explained

Depth of field is one of the most important creative and technical factors in photography. Let's examine the tools at your disposal to change depth of field with any camera.

This tutorial begins by explaining the three different ways to change depth of field: aperture, focal length, and focusing distance. We then move to real-world examples of how to use depth of field in practice, including situations where the three factors may be working against you.

The final part of this tutorial covers two methods to extend your depth of field beyond the ordinary limits of your lens: focus stacking and Brenizer method panoramas. Although there are a few other methods of extending your depth of field artificially (such as manually blurring the background in Photoshop), these two techniques are the most versatile and natural-looking ways to do so.

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This video is not sponsored! You can support Photography Life and Spencer Cox Photography by buying anything through my affiliate links!

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I said in the video that I'd provide links to some more advanced topics that are beyond the scope of the video. Here are the pages I recommend:

That should tide you over for a while :)

~Spencer

#DepthOfField

[christinemaclennan]

The web is enormous, but I am so thankful (you have no idea how thankful) that my algorithm landed me on your page. I'm a teacher (in Canada) and I've been struggling with putting together a self-delivered photography course for my students simply due to the overwhelming and inter-connected information they need to ingest at the onset of learning. Your video (after years of searching) is so well explained and your tone and enthusiasm are comforting yet "serious" ~ if you aren't already, you really should consider teaching (and this is coming from someone who has been teaching for 25 years). Seriously, you have the gift of bringing your subject area down to a manageable yet informative level. And I'm going to intice you with this information . . . if you live in Canada (chances are you probably don't), after 10 years of teaching, many teachers are making close to $90, 000 (CAD). Not that money is everything ~ but it is nice to be comfortable and to be rewarded for what you do. I don't know why people are shamed into not admitting that?

[paulorrmorais]

You really are a great Teacher! Thanks a lot!!!

[briansquibb]

Thank you, Spencer! One of my favorite channels!

[antonoat]

Clear, concise and informative. Thank you.

[Tstinzy]

Thank you so much for the awesome explanation. No one else made it so easy to understand! I appreciate all the examples and visual displays

[ikezach]

Great explanation of DOF photography with great examples.

[iXmovie]

First person speaking of how to fix DOF not only what it is. Well done 👍

[christianlopezhn]

WIthout a doubt the best explanation video I have seen about this topic!

[neversonjames]

I was just trying to get a basic understanding of depth of field, but you blew me away. You know your stuff. There is much more to photography than I thought, whoa.

[Tony-Elliott]

Brilliant information and explanation, thanks for taking the time to make these videos

[richmondessamoah]

I had a presentation on Depth of Field and this video really helped. Thanks a lot

[tamashaasz]

Excellent content and very valuable information. Thanks for sharing!

[pearleva]

Thank you so much very easy to follow absolute brilliant it so easy to follow and I will try this out thank you so much someone who explains it simple so I can follow

[callemdavies]

Excellent summary - wish I'd had it outlined like this when I began learning!

[terrylarkin]

This was great information I'm à retired Navy Photographer 1971 1975 old film days. I photographed the Apollo 16-17 recoveries the last two Manned Moon Missions when I was 19yrs old. You are very well versed and you would be a very good instructor. Our Photo School was in Pensacola Florida. It's at Naval Air Station in Pensacola.

[JAMtastesgood]

Thank you! This has been so helpful as someone just getting into the hobby :)

[vikassaraf]

Awesome man!! Honestly, I didn't ask for this but I needed this lesson! Thought I knew depth of field but apparently I didn't!! Love always🖤💯

[georginekwa]

First time visitor 😀Thank you 🙏🏽 so much .. I really needed your explication on this subject once again … it is such a complicated aspect of photography and you make it for ME so much easier to apprehend it .. over and over 🥰 little by little .. I’m your fan 4sure😍

[AliasJimWirth]

I was just watching the Hudson Henry and Rick LePage "Office Hours". They mentioned you and the topic of DSLR vs Mirrorless cameras. I found your YouTube channel and watched this video which caught my attention. Let me say what an excellent explanation of depth of field you give here and what an articulate speaker you are. I enjoyed this video and subscribed to your channel because of it. I look forward to watching many more of your postings. Thank you.

[beatfarmerfan]

Hey Spencer, hope everything is good with you! Haven’t seen any of your great videos in a few months, just
wanted to say we miss you.