New
New
Picture taking: depth of field
I can explain and use depth of field to take pictures
Lesson 4 of 9
New
New
- Year 10
Picture taking: depth of field
I can explain and use depth of field to take pictures
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Subjects at different distances from the camera appear at different depths.
- The higher the f-stop, the greater depth of field, meaning more of our picture is in focus.
- Lower f stop settings produce a narrower depth of field, meaning more of the picture appears out of focus.
Keywords
Depth - how far away a subject is when referring to an image
Aperture - the hole that lets light into the camera, controlling depth of field
Focus - how sharp or blurred a subject appears
Common misconception
Depth of field is only controled by moving the camera nearer or further away from the subject.
Depth of field is mainly controlled by adjusting the aperture (f-stop).
Prepare a selection of photographs and images that demonstrate varied depths of field and/or provide means for pupils to research their own.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Camera
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match these words with the correct definitions
Match these words with the correct definitions
Q2.Usually, in a studio ...
Usually, in a studio ...
a photographer does not want control over lighting.
a photographer has no control over lighting.
Q3.One of the advantages of shooting outdoors is ...
One of the advantages of shooting outdoors is ...
reliable control of light source.
bright, artificial light.
Q4.Using a light source on either side of your subject will ...
Using a light source on either side of your subject will ...
create dramatic lighting effects.
increase shadows and can create different levels of light.
create highly contrasting lighting effects.
Q5.Photographers work in different environments, these can often be thought about in two categories, .
Photographers work in different environments, these can often be thought about in two categories, .
Q6.True or false? Photographing outdoors provides a reliable and highly controllable source of light when conducting a photoshoot.
True or false? Photographing outdoors provides a reliable and highly controllable source of light when conducting a photoshoot.
true
