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squawk · Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Posts: 25

Hey guys, depth of field question.

As you can see the DOF in this image is pretty shallow, centered on the "A" of the cards and the stem of the glass. For it's artistic qualities I like it, but not sure about for stock and hoping for experienced opinion. Would it be better with a deeper DOF?

Other comments welcome of course.
I haven't provided a 100% because I am not sure what you guys would need, the area in focus, the area not in focus, a mid point etc.

digigandalf · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 2582 Location: Twinsburg, OH

hhltdave5 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:43 am

In stock images the DOF usually is used to draw the eye of the viewer to a certain part of the image. That part is usually the key or main area of the shot and generally should be from front to back.

I have used extremely shallow DOF where only about 1/4" was in focus with good success just as shots with more DOF do just as well. It depends on what you want to say or show with the shot.

Don't let the OOF area distract the viewer from seeing what you want them to see. In this shot to me the idea is to have the viewer see pretty much the entire image in relatively good focus. I would make sure the cards themselves were in focus.

squawk · Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Posts: 25

Cheers guys.

I'm gonna reshoot for even lighting and greater DOF, the uneven lighting was an attempt to recreate casino style lighting but as you say probably not appropriate for stock.

squawk · Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Posts: 25

Reshot with greater depth of field, slightly different composition, and even lighting.

Bah, just looked at the preview, I'll PS it to get rid of the bit at the top left if I submit this or one like it.

hhltdave5 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:07 am

The question I have is why are you doing it in B&W? Under normal circumstances it is better to submit it in color and let the buyer convert if they want. There are many methods of converting to B&W and you may be doing it in a manner that the buyer does not want.

squawk · Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Posts: 25

Mostly because the poker matt I'm shotting it on is a horrid shade of green and I can't figure out how to fix that.

Here is a colour version of one I'm working on to give you an idea.

I have no professional lighting so have been moving various lamps around the house, using torches and pretty much anything I can think of to light it in an appealing way, but that matt still looks hidious no matter what I try.

I really like the black and white version though, hence perseverance (I've got about 50 versions of this image now, shot from all angles).

##edit. Hmm, it actually looks better posted here, maybe I've stared at it for too long.

hhltdave5 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:38 am

I would definitely go with the color version. Be careful though with your white balance. If you are using a variety of different lights you may be putting out different color temperatures and that will affect your WB.

I would also put a reflector in front of the image to fill in some of the light shadows on the cards caused by the drink.

Do you have a window you can use to supply natural light? You may find that along with some reflectors to give you much better results.

squawk · Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Posts: 25

Natural light is very doable and I like the idea of mirrors, will give it a shot. Thanks for the advice.

hhltdave5 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:48 am

deepspacedave · Joined: 09 Sep 2009 Posts: 36 Location: Wisconsin, USA

The tip of natural lighting and white foam core that the folks here have suggested is priceless. They really know what they are talking about) I also don't have any professional lighting and this trick is wonderful, as mentioned just watch the WB (I found it helpful to take a shot with a neutral grey card in at least one of the photos for reference).

rinder99 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:35 pm

Im Very impressed with what you've done with the little you have to work with. you could do wonders with your eye with better gear and lighting. The color suggestion is right on. always submit color first.you can do amazing things with One light and reflection and you did. Good Job.It's about your eye and thats where a lot of folks fall down , No matter how much stuff they have.