Selection and Control

What use is having a great depth of field, if there is not an adequate depth of feeling? -W. Eugene Smith

We all yearn for selection and struggle for control in our lives. Fortunately, as photographers, we're in command of both of these variables when creating our work. Selective Focus and Controlled Depth of Field are treated separately in the list of the 15 Elements of Composition, but in theory and in practice I view them as complimentary techniques.

An image begins with an idea and ultimately ends by conveying a message--in between, a few decisions and some mechanical processes combine to produce the finished product. Aside from the prevailing(or manufactured)lighting conditions and the choice of a lens focal length, selecting the focus and controlling the depth of field will determine the intent and therefore the success of a photograph.

The focus of an image(i.e., focal point)first attracts the viewer's eye while its supporting details(either enhanced or limited by depth of field)lead them through the rest of the picture. So in essence, the interpretation of any work is consciously selected and controlled by the photographer, not the viewer.

For example, when striving to accentuate or isolate a singular subject from a descriptive background, try focusing on the main element while incorporating a shallow, but discernable, level of depth of field to add detail yet separation to the image. Consider these three illustrations:

Photo #1: Focusing on the "Mickey Mantle" autographed baseball minimizes the player in a N.Y. Yankee's uniform in the background, suggesting he was simply a fantasy baseball camp member.

Photo #2: Focusing on the pair of rare stamps in the foreground, magnifies their importance while still identifying their owner.

Photo #3: Focusing and concentrating on a single video cover with an identifiable but non-distracting background, accentuates its importance as a rental favorite.

Selection and Control--photographers really do own the best of both worlds.

You can't depend on your eyes if your imagination is out of focus. -Mark Twain