Learning Event 11
SELECT APPROPRIATE FOCUS
1. Focusing on the hyperfocal distance is useful for the greater depth of
field needed when photographing subjects where you have no control of their
action, such as tactical sports, news events, and other documentary
photography.
When applying this technique, you have already preset the
shutter speed, f/stop, and focused on the hyperfocal distance. This allows
you to concentrate on the subject.
2. Focusing on the hyperfocal distance will not be practical at times when
the subject is closer than one half the hyperfocal distance to the camera or
when you may desire to apply selective focusing.
a. Selective focusing is a technique of limiting the depth of field in
the foreground and the background in order to achieve a more vivid center of
interest. This technique is commonly used for portraiture.
b. Application of selective focusing requires the knowledge of the
controlling factors of depth of field.
c. Long depth of field can be obtained by using a short focal length
(wide angle) lens, a small aperture opening, and a far point of focus.
Conversely, a short depth of field can be obtained by using a long focal
length (telephoto) lens, a large aperture opening, and a near point of
focus.
d. Figure 3-11 shows the depth of field of wide angle and a telephoto
lens.
At the same aperture and focus point the wide angle (short focal
length) lens will provide greater depth of field than a telephoto (long
focal length) lens.
Figure 3-11.
Depth of field
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