Using Depth of Field in Wildlife Photography

Depth of field (DOF) in photography is the portion of depth of an image or view that is in focus and sharp. You’ve probably seen a photo at one time or another that had a subject in focus and either the foreground or background appeared blurry and out of focus. The portion of the photo that was in focus from foreground to background refers to DOF.

When deliberately considered in composition decisions, DOF can produce dramatic effects. It lends itself to helping draw an observer to the desired subject and sparks an artistic effect that enhances imagination.

There are three fundamental concepts to consider: aperture, focal length and focus distance.

Aperture, measured in f-stops, can decrease a DOF by widening (smaller f-stop number) or increase it by narrowing (higher f-stop number). If you adjust your aperture to enhance your DOF consideration, you’ll likely have to make a corresponding adjustment to your shutter speed. If you choose to use aperture, you’ll be better served to be shooting in aperture priority mode so your adjustments to the f-stop are more readily available and results realized.

The second way to affect DOF is with focal length; the longer the focal length of the lens (measured in millimeters), the shallower the field. Shorter lenses produce deeper sharpness through the depth of the photo. So lens selection should be a consideration if DOF is deliberate during composition strategy. If your lens is selected for other considerations, use aperture or focus distance to create your desired result.

Finally, focus distance can be used. The closer the camera is to the subject, the shallower the DOF. Conversely, the further the camera is from the subject the deeper the field. In wildlife photography, this will likely be the least practical way to affect your DOF, as shots are often opportune and time isn’t afforded to adjust distance from the subject.

Using a zoom lens and shooting in aperture mode are the most effective means of controlling your DOF in wildlife photography. Many wildlife photographers will have a zoom lens mounted for bringing subjects closer. By consciously shortening the focal length prior to shutter release, DOF can be increased. Additionally, by being ready to quickly adjust aperture just prior to shutter release, the field can also be affected.

These concepts are worthy of practice prior to hitting the field in search of wild subjects. Try the different strategies around the house. Eventually, you’ll build instinctive responses that will let you affect DOF with very little thought - you’ll simply respond. Until you’ve established this instinct, consider a note card fastened to your camera strap. Try using a small plastic sleeve, like you’d see holding a suitcase owner tag, and slip a business card in it with short notes to keep you straight. I use this for any concept I’m trying to master, especially when I alter my field work flow, or a checklist of things critical to a particular shoot.

Finally, challenge yourself to go out and shoot the same scene or subject and vary the DOF with the three methods discussed here. You’ll quickly realize the dramatic effect DOF can have on an image and you’ll develop instinct to make rapid DOF decisions.

Andrew Beebe is a wildlife photographer and proprietor of ShutterSplash Photography. He teaches animal tracking, sign, and behavior to help photographers locate wild animals and get as close to their subjects as possible as well as general digital photography. Classroom and field sessions are offered to groups or individuals interested in locating animals for once in a lifetime photo opportunities. His website is http://www.shuttersplash.com and he hosts a wildlife photography group on Facebook. Just search for ShutterSplash!