Prime lenses are known for their great image quality and shallow depth of field, but they can be extremely expensive. If you’re using a zoom lens, you may wonder if it’s possible to get similar results without the hefty price tag. This video explores how to create prime-lens-like subject separation by mastering four key concepts.
Coming to you from Danielle C4 Photo SafariThis informative video explains how to blur the background and make subjects stand out using technology instead of high-end gear. The first concept is aperture. Using a wide-open aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/4, reduces depth of field and produces a pleasing background blur even with a narrow background. zoom lensDanielle highlights how shooting wide open can sometimes result in poor sharpness, but balancing your settings for the scene can yield remarkable results. Adjusting the aperture is a simple but effective step toward achieving a professional look.
The third key mentioned is your distance from the subject. The closer you are to your subject, the more your depth of field will decrease, making background blur more apparent. Macro photographers will recognize this effect, as getting physically closer to a subject limits how much of the surrounding area remains in focus. Danielle suggests combining this technique with other factors to achieve greater subject-background separation.
Danielle also introduces tools like a depth-of-field calculator in the PhotoPills app to better understand how different variables interact. While these tools are useful for planning, she emphasizes that it is important to have practice and familiarity with your tools to effectively apply these principles in the field. Additionally, modern cameras often include a depth-of-field preview button, which helps you see the blur before capturing the shot. This is just the beginning, so watch the video above for full details.
