DOF Shot

[Huck]

I need some help setting up a shot. I want to do some type of depth of field shot
where the main focus is this sign with a building behind it in blur. What type of settings
can I use on my Nikon D50 to set this up. I noramlly use one of the pre-programmed settings on the camera, but looking for a little help. I am prob. going to use my 18-55 mm Nikon for the shot.

I hope I have given enough information to explain what I am trying to do.

[msthomas]

Not sure with the D50, but if you have a portrait mode, if you can do it the manual mode try a smallest number on the F stop 2.8 or what ever your lens has as a small number.
Start there, good luck.

[NoLight]

Use macro settings it'll give a shallow depth. Or just use apature priority setting and set it to the lowest setting. It really depends on how blurry you want the building to be and how far away it is. But this should be a good starting point for ya!!

[Bill]

Shoot Aperture Mode, zoom to 55mm, and open up lens all the way to f/2.8, f/3.5 or whatever you have. That will give you the shallowest DOF.

If you want to diminish the presence of the building, shoot at 18mm. If you want building to be larger, shoot at 55mm.

Blur building and everything else, except the sign, in Photoshop. Add a second layer and blur all but the sign as much as you want. Even at the largest f/stop, such as 2.8 or 3.5, building may be too sharp.

The great thing about digital is that after you know the basics, testing is free. You can see the differences in focusing at different distances at f/2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, or 22.

A comprehensive introduction to photograhy, new or old, should tell you how to choose ISO, aperture size, shutter speed, and lens focal length to achieve various effects. Should be available at public libraries and at new/used bookstores.

[Vernon Theis]

With any given focal length DOF is a function of two variables.

1. Aperture....shoot aperture priority and try 2.8, 4 and 5.6 and use the one you like. Smaller holes give you deeper DOF. Your eyes' pupils constrict (accomodate) when you focus closer.

2. Camera to subject distance. The closer you are the shallower DOF you get.

3. You get a third variable with a zoom....focal length. Longer FL has shallower DOF.

Changing ISO will give you a wider range of setting possibility, of course, sans a direct DOF effect.

Big DOF:


Little DOF:


Bill s right....shoot several shots playing with the variables. Choose the one you like.

[Huck]

thanks for the tips guys. i am going to take my camera with me to work on the way home attempt to get the shot I am trying to get. I will post it when I get it.