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Motion And Depth Of Field

There are distinct characteristics that are related to changes in aperture and shutter speed. Shutter speed controls the length of time the light has to strike the sensor; consequently, it also controls the blurriness (or lack of blurriness) of the image. The less time light has to hit the sensor, the less time your subjects have to move around and become blurry. This can let you control things like freezing the motion of a fast-moving subject (Figure 2.9) or intentionally blurring subjects to give the feel of energy and motion (Figure 2.10).

FIGURE 2.9

A fast shutter speed was used to capture the cutting power of the saw as it chewed through the wood.

FIGURE 2.10

The slower shutter speed coupled with a neutral density filter shows the smooth flow of the water over the rocks.

200mm lens

200mm lens

FIGURE 2.9

A fast shutter speed was used to capture the cutting power of the saw as it chewed through the wood.

The aperture controls the amount of light that comes through the lens, but also determines what areas of the image will be in focus. This is referred to as depth of field, and it is an extremely valuable creative tool. The smaller the opening (the larger the number, such as f/22), the greater the sharpness of objects from near to far (Figure 2.11).

24mm lens

24mm lens

FIGURE 2.11

By using a small aperture, the area of sharp focus extends from a point that is near the camera all the way out to distant objects. In this instance, I wanted the grass in the foreground as well as the homes in the background to be in focus.

FIGURE 2.11

By using a small aperture, the area of sharp focus extends from a point that is near the camera all the way out to distant objects. In this instance, I wanted the grass in the foreground as well as the homes in the background to be in focus.

A large opening (or small number, like f/2.8) means more blurring of objects that are not at the same distance as the subject you are focusing on (Figure 2.12).

FIGURE 2.12

Isolating a subject is accomplished by using a large aperture, which produces a narrow area of sharp focus.

180mm lens

180mm lens

FIGURE 2.12

Isolating a subject is accomplished by using a large aperture, which produces a narrow area of sharp focus.

As we further explore the features of the camera, we will learn not only how to utilize the elements of exposure to capture properly exposed photographs, but also how we can make adjustments to emphasize our subject. It is the manipulation of these elements—motion and focus—that will take your images to the next level.

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