About Bob Todrick Expertise I can answer questions on most areas of photography. Though fine-art nudes is my main focus, I can, as well answer most questions dealing with darkroom processes (including many alternative processes).
My expertise does not include digital.
Experience I have photographed since 1975. Among my clients have been a number of major retail department stores (the Bay, Eatons). I photographed for Canada's premier motorsports magazine for a number of years, and have done much portraiture and wedding photography.
In 1990 I gave up shooting professionally to concentrate on my fine-art work and have had numerous group and one person shows since.
Organizations Co-founder of the Group of Several.
Publications Numerous newspaper and print ads.
GRAPHIS photo annual.
Expert: Bob Todrick Date: 3/7/2005 Subject: Depth of field
Question Hi.
I'm very new to photography and shoot purely as a hobbie. My simple question is; what lense do I need to play about with depth of field? How do I experiment with the focussed area and the blurred area.
I hope this makes sense to you. Thanks for your time
Kind regards
Jamie
Answer In short, depth of field is affected by aperture and focal lenght. Wide angle lenses, by there nature have very extended DOF (Depth Of Field). That is why they are considered great for snapshots....set a 35mm or wider lens (assuming the 35mm format) at F5.6 or smaller and most things will be in focus...great for 'grab' or snapshots.
Lenses longer than normal (again 50mm in the 35mm format) are where DOF starts to become apparent. Again, the wider the aperture, the narrower the DOF. Once you get into the 100mm or longer lenses, especially at apertures greater than F4 (greater meaning a larger lens opening), DOF becomes very narrow and readily apparent.
To sum up, the best lens is probably one of your most useful lenses as well. In the 35mm format something in a midrange to longer range zoom (35-135mm or 70-200) will give you enough telephoto to do plenty of experimenting with DOF.
Hope this helps.
