Think about how you use depth of field in your photographs? Most photographs focus on the subject and place secondary elements out of focus. This use of DOF is typical for portraits, macro and other photography.
When should you place your subject out of focus? I was out shooting with a friend when this crossed my mind. In front of us was a house that had been abandoned for some years. I wandered around looking for something extraordinary but I was overwhelmed by the cliche. This location would make a great back drop for some “trashy” portrait photography but we didn’t have a model and you really don’t want to see me pose!
I was walking away when I stopped down my Canon EF 50mm F/1.4 lens as much as I could while maintaining good shutter speed. I focused on the brown grasses in front of the lens and framed the house.
Another Rotting House In The Old South
When I returned home and reviewed the photos from the Canon 5D it was clear this was my favorite of the rotting house. I took an earlier detail photograph of peeling paint and combined it with the original frame to give the shot a little texture.
When would you place the subject out of focus?
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I sometimes place the subject out of focus when I want to give the subject context. Since most of what I shoot lately has been weddings, I will sometimes keep the bride & groom out of focus during the dancing or during their couple pictures if there is something in the foreground or background that can capture the feel of the moment.
There are times though when you might question what my true subject is, the foreground or the subjects.