TAOP Exercise: Focus at different apertures

The purpose here is to demonstrate the shift in the depth of field as the aperture is changed but exposure and composition are constant.

1) With an aperture of f2 we have a wide aperture and a shallow depth of field, the background is mostly out of focus but leaves a pleasant bokeh. I like this effect it defines the area of focus which of course and draws the eye to the focal point as the shot was taken, deliberately directing the viewer to the same point of interest or subject. This can also be used in portraiture to good effect by focusing on the eyes of the subject causing a more personal 'engagement'
bokehf2, 1/8000s ISO 200, 50mm


2) f4, a moderate aperture but toward the wider. As the DOF becomes greater we begin to gain clarity on the areas which were not the focal point but keep engagement with the subject.
f4, 1/2000s, ISO 200, 50mm


3) f16, a pretty small aperture and the immediate effect of the much larger DOF is very apparent. Better used for landscapes and other styles which need most if not all of the image to be in focus. Note as we have 'stopped down' the shutter speed has decreased massively in order to keep the correct exposure, we are almost on the limit here of hand held shooting without 'shake' killing sharpness. Another stop down and unless we have image stabilization lenses we are considering using a tripod or other steadying device.
f16, 1/125s, ISO 200, 50mm