Assignment #2 - Shallow Depth of Field

Introductory Photography
Assignment #2 - "Less" Depth of Field - Photograph Something Fascinating

Please hand in this sheet in a clear protective sleeve together with your prints and proof sheet(s).

Assignment Description:
Make a close-up of something that fascinates you. Make one or more prints that clearly demonstrates "less" depth of field, i.e. only one thing in the picture, the most important detail, should be sharp. Other terms for "less" are "shallow" or "short" depth of field. Your focus should be selective and deliberate. This assignment must be done with film and traditional darkroom techniques.

Related Reading Assignment:
Study chapters 4 and 6 of the textbook

Assignment Objective:
The point of this assignment is to understand the necessary factors involved in generating photographs that exhibit selective sharpness. This entails comprehending the relationship between ISO, aperture size and shutter speed, quantity of light, distance from subject, and focal length of lens. This assignment is also intended to motivate the students to challenge their ideas of what kind of subject matter merits attention and is appropriate to photograph.

Suggestions:
Take lots of pictures. Try to step out of your visual habits and take pictures of things you had never before considered. Experiment with exposure, and keep notes on what you did.
- Use a low ISO setting on your digital SLR, or use slow film (such as Ilford PanF @ 50 ISO) in a moderately lit situation. Otherwise, use a medium speed film (such as Fuji Acros @100 ISO) in a dimly lit situation.
- Open lens to a large aperture (big hole = small number) such as f.2.8.
- Get as close to your subject as possible.
- If available, use a telephoto lens (a focal length larger than 50mm).

Evaluation Criteria:
Craftsmanship - Sharpness (selective)
Exposure (full shadow and highlight detail)
Contrast (a solid black, a bright white, and a full range of gray values)
Needs dodging and / or burning
Value (appropriate lightness / darkness)
Cleanness (no dust, scratches, water spots)

Aesthetic / Conceptual refinement (accomplishes assignment description and meets objective)

Grade ___________

Student Name_______________________________

Class Section #____________

Teacher Comments:

Introductory Photography Assignment #2 - "Less" Depth of Field - Photograph Something Fascinating Please hand in this sheet in a clear protective sleeve together with your prints and proof sheet(s). Assignment Description: Make a close-up of something that fascinates you. Make one or more prints that clearly demonstrates "less" depth of field, i.e. only one thing in the picture, the most important detail, should be sharp. Other terms for "less" are "shallow" or "short" depth of field. Your focus should be selective and deliberate. This assignment must be done with film and traditional darkroom techniques. Related Reading Assignment: Study chapters 4 and 6 of the textbook Assignment Objective: The point of this assignment is to understand the necessary factors involved in generating photographs that exhibit selective sharpness. This entails comprehending the relationship between ISO, aperture size and shutter speed, quantity of light, distance from subject, and focal length of lens. This assignment is also intended to motivate the students to challenge their ideas of what kind of subject matter merits attention and is appropriate to photograph. Suggestions: Take lots of pictures. Try to step out of your visual habits and take pictures of things you had never before considered. Experiment with exposure, and keep notes on what you did. - Use a low ISO setting on your digital SLR, or use slow film (such as Ilford PanF @ 50 ISO) in a moderately lit situation. Otherwise, use a medium speed film (such as Fuji Acros @100 ISO) in a dimly lit situation. - Open lens to a large aperture (big hole = small number) such as f.2.8. - Get as close to your subject as possible. - If available, use a telephoto lens (a focal length larger than 50mm). Evaluation Criteria: Craftsmanship - Sharpness (selective) Exposure (full shadow and highlight detail) Contrast (a solid black, a bright white, and a full range of gray values) Needs dodging and / or burning Value (appropriate lightness / darkness) Cleanness (no dust, scratches, water spots) Aesthetic / Conceptual refinement (accomplishes assignment description and meets objective) Grade ___________ Student Name_______________________________ Class Section #____________ Teacher Comments:
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