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Assignment: Evaluating Depth of Field

One of the best ways to really learn about DOF is to find an interesting subject, preferably one that is stationary, and photograph it using any one of your lenses. Take one shot at the widest possible aperture (for example, one at f/2.8, one at a mid-point aperture such as f/8, and another at f/16), keeping your camera and your distance from the image constant. Notice how the DOF varies in each of the three images. Which one do you like best and why? Post your results to the Web site.

I took this image of a garden sculpture with a 1D Mark IIn and an EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens. Note how the quality differs among the images, as well as the depth-of-field.

From left to right: ISO 250, 1/640 second at f/2.8; ISO 250, 1/200 second at f/8; ISO 1250, 1/50 second at f/32.

Remember to visit www.pwassignments.com when you complete this assignment and share your favorite photo! It’s a community of enthusiastic photographers and a great place to view what other readers have created. You can also post comments and read other encouraging suggestions and feedback.