Even though we’re late in joining, we’ve decided to participate in the 2017 Pet Photography Challenge. This weekly challenge is hosted in a Facebook group, and was created to help anyone who joins to improve their photography through weekly prompts. I hadn’t decided whether I’d have the time to join but I know my photography skills still need work, and this is a great way to do it. This challenge is open to anyone, not just pet bloggers!
Luckily I came in at the right time, because this week’s prompt “depth of field” is a concept I was already familiar with. That’s not to say I didn’t have to refresh myself on how to achieve this effect, even though I already knew what it was!
Depth of field refers to how much of a photo is in focus. Shallow depth of field means that only a small area is the focal point, and the rest of the background is blurred, so that full effect is on the main subject of the photo. It’s a perfect concept for wildlife and pet photography.
Achieving shallow depth of field can be just a tad more complicated; though there are several ways to do it. The most popular is to use a low aperture (lens opening) setting, meaning your lens is open wider. That not only lets in more light, but limits the area of focus. You can also achieve depth of field by being closer to your subject, or having your subject a greater distance away from the background.
In the case of this photo of Samantha, I used my Nikon D5500 SLR with my variable length lens set at 50 mm, and an aperture of f/4.8. I was closer to her, and the room was quite bright, therefore my aperture didn’t have to be open as wide as it could have been. Focus is on her nose and face and fades away from there.
Have you ever tried this effect when photographing your pets? How do you think I did on this week’s challenge?
Very nice! I’ve got to put my camera in the shop tomorrow. It fell off the couch #ouch
What a beautiful photo!
Excellent photo. I like taking shallow DOF photos but Raven isn’t very patient so I end up with photos of a sleeping black cat.
Sam’s not patient either. When I took this shot, she had already moved to three different locations. It’s rare she sits still long enough for a few photos, unless, yes, she is sleeping!
I love shallow DOF photos. Samantha’s eyes are mesmerizing in your photo!
What a pawsome photo of Samantha. Well done!
Nice shot of a gorgeous model.
Samantha you look beautious! We might have done that trick a time or two…by accident!
I am fortunate that Skipper does all of our photography. He explains what he is doing to help me understand but I am glad that he is so good at it. ☺
You two make such a great pair! The most I get from my hubby is occasional help with photographs, when I beg him. LOL
What a great great picture, black cats are so hard to photograph.
Thank you! She is so difficult to photograph…but mostly because she won’t sit still for 10 seconds! I got lucky this time. 🙂
We think you are giving mom stink eye
Lily & Edward
No, no, that’s her happy face….honest! 🙂
I love this picture of Samantha! You should print it on high quality photo paper, frame it, and hang it where everyone can see it!!
Nice job. Great shot of a pretty model.
That’s a lovely photo. I always think about depth of field, but lately I haven’t practiced enough to remember how to get the effect I want when it comes time to actually take the photo.
Depth of Field and Rule of Thirds are my photographers favorite tools to use. It sure helps get a lot of junk out of the background too sometimes if that is necessary.
that’s a onderful photo… I love the light effects on her fur, she got a little touch of gold that way… yes, she is precious in any way LOL