Selective Depth of Field 2

In his second macro photography film tutorial, photographer and editor Hans-Peter Schaub discusses and demonstrates the compositional and creative aspects of macro photography while on location at the Maximillian Park in Hamm, Germany.

Schaub focuses on teaching photographers how to improve their photos by adjusting the depth of field to achieve the desired depth of field that fits with their compositions. With numerous demonstrations test shots he shows three very important aspects photographers can use as guidelines when composing their photographs; Topic, Emphasis, and Simplicity. The use of selective focus and depth of field are two great tools to simplify the image and Schaub uses many techniques to show emphasis as well, for example, through framing choice. In advance, Schaub has chosen nature and insects as his topic, therefore photographers need to be aware of their topic before they shoot macro photography, as well as the general message of the resulting photograph, because it is what inspires people to look at the photograph over and over.

In order to use selective focus effectively photographers must first learn to understand depth of field and how to control it, because control of depth-of-field is one of the most creative tools photographers have. One of the most important points to consider in composition is isolating the subject so that it becomes apparent to the viewer what the photographer is trying to show. Selective Focus not only provides a more film-like image, it provides the photographer with the essential means for focusing the viewer’s attention on a specific portion of the shot.