Picture taking: depth of field
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain and use depth of field to take pictures
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).
Teacher tip
Prepare a selection of photographs and images that demonstrate varied depths of field and/or provide means for pupils to research their own.
Equipment
Camera
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match these words with the correct definitions
Q2.Usually, in a studio ...
Q3.One of the advantages of shooting outdoors is ...
Q4.Using a light source on either side of your subject will ...
Q5.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.
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Picture taking: depth of field, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Picture taking: depth of field, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 art and design lessons from the Photography unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.