Have you ever wondered why many portrait images' backgrounds are so blurred?

Jackie’s image perfectly illustrates a shallow depth of field and aperture. I shot this at f2.8.

Let me explain in lamens terms so you understand perfectly what f- stops are and why you should use them. The Aperture or F-Stop is the opening in the lens that allows light to pass through the camera and onto the sensor. And this opening can be sized to control the light entering the camera, but it also creates a blurred background. But let's dive deeper so you know next time you want to shoot the perfect portrait.

The beautiful ladies from Studio York shot on their doorstep show that the background is more in focus than the above image. The aperture was set at f8.

 1: Understanding the Aperture

Aperture is measured in f-stops and referred to as the f-number. The f-number indicates the lens's focal length ratio to the Aperture's diameter. For example, an f/2.8 aperture has a larger opening than an f/8 aperture. Therefore, the larger the Aperture, the shallower the depth of field will be.

2: Controlling Depth of Field

Depth of field refers to the area of the photograph that is in focus. A shallow depth of field means that the subject is in a direction while the background is blurred. A deep depth of field means that both the subject and the environment are in focus. As a photographer, controlling the depth of field is essential to creating the desired effect in the final image.

3: Choosing the Right Depth of Field for a Portrait

When taking a portrait of one person, a lower depth of field is often the best choice. By using a larger aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/4, the focus is solely on the subject, which provides a beautiful bokeh effect. Bokeh is the blurred background or foreground in an image that results from using a low depth of field. It creates a pleasing aesthetic and draws the viewer's attention to the subject.

Additionally, a lower depth of field can create a sense of intimacy and allow the subject to stand out from their surroundings. The image becomes solely about the person in the photograph, and the background becomes secondary. In contrast, a higher depth of field, such as f/16, would capture all the details in the scene, including the background and foreground. This effect can be helpful when capturing a landscape or a group of people where everything needs to be in focus. However, it can be distracting when photographing a single subject.

 To sum up, the Aperture and depth of field allow you to create stunning imagery that captures the subject's essence. A lower depth of field provides a natural and beautiful effect that draws the viewer's attention directly to the person in the photograph, allowing them to stand out and shine.

Hopefully, you are clear as mud! If you need help, let me know. Please email me and download my copy of Creating the Perfect iPhone Portrait here.

Katie xo