GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
06.07 CONTROL DEPTH OF FIELD WITH APERTURE
12 HOURS
06.07
March 2010
Purpose:
A professional photographer needs to understand the concept of depth-of-field and the factors that influence control overall image sharpness.
Terminal Performance Objective:
Given different situations/subjects, and the necessary materials and equipment, the student will control depth of field with camera aperture, according to the evaluation criteria.
Related PA Standards/Assessment Anchors:
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening: 1.1.11.D Identify, describe, evaluate and synthesize the essential ideas in text. 1.1.11.F Understand the meaning of and apply key vocabulary across the various subject areas. 1.2.11.A Read and understand essential content of informational texts and documents in all academic areas. R11A2
Understand nonfiction text appropriate to grade level.
1.5.11.F Edit writing using the conventions of language. 1.6.11.D Contribute to discussions
Math: Non-specific.
Science and Technology: 3.2.10.B Apply knowledge of information technologies of encoding, transmitting, receiving, storing, retrieving and decoding. S11.A.2 Apply knowledge of scientific investigation or technological design to develop or critique aspects of the experimental or design process. .
3.7.12.A Apply advanced tools, materials and techniques to answer complex questions.
Environment and Ecology: Non-specific.
Career Education and Work: Non-specific.

Safety Factors:
Equipment should be handled in a safe manner.
Learning Activities:
1.
Attend the theory/demonstration on depth-of-field.
2.
Review pages 154-159 and 173-175 in Mastering Digital SLR Photography.
3.
Complete the “Factors that Influence D.O.F. Observation” worksheet and hand in for evaluation.
4.
Obtain a camera, standard lens (macro lens optional), and tripod from the instructor. The use of hot lights is suggested for shooting in the studio.
5.
Select an appropriate ISO speed for the photo subject/situation.
6.
Gather three objects that can be easily positioned. Composition will count as part of the grade, so use some thought in selecting the subjects.
7.
Be sure to record all exposure information.
8.
In order to prevent the camera from changing position, secure it to a tripod.
9.
Place the three objects on a table top in front of a neutral background. Position the objects in a diagonal line away from the camera. There should be about six to nine inches between the objects, and the camera should be no more than fourteen inches away from the center object.
10.
The camera should remain focused on the center object.
11.
This project needs to be done on the MANUAL setting! Make an exposure using an aperture that will demonstrate shallow depth-of-field (Example: f /1.8).
Use aperture priority; meter with the shutter-speed dial. Use a reflected reading off a gray card or an incident reading to insure correct exposure.
12.
Expose another frame using an aperture that will demonstrate average depth-offield (Example: f /8). Use aperture priority; meter with the shutter-speed dial.
13.
Expose one more frame using an aperture that will demonstrate deep or great depth-of-field (Example: f /22). Use aperture priority; meter with the shutterspeed dial.
14.
OPTION: Instead of using the three objects, use some creative subject situation in the same manner as above (steps 7 through 10). This could be any three dimensional object that demonstrates a foreground, middleground, and background relationship.
15.
Download the images to a folder labeled DOF and batch name the files.
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GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
06.07 CONTROL DEPTH OF FIELD WITH APERTURE
GIR 4/10/2020

Learning Activities
Page 2
16.
Have the instructor review your camera data. Remember, this is where it is important to have worked in the manual mode and used proper camera handling and control
17.
Upon approval, create a contact sheet that is labeled with your name and assignment. Be aware that you will need to do this activity at least three times to meet competency. The understanding of depth of field is very important to the photographer; consistency must be demonstrated.
18.
Submit the prints and contact sheet for evaluation.
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06.07 CONTROL DEPTH OF FIELD WITH APERTURE
GIR 4/10/2020 Page 3

Page 4
Resources Required:
Literacy/numeracy activities from SREB/MAX Teaching/Reading Apprenticeship integrated where applicable.
Busch, David. Mastering Digital SLR Photography. Boston: Thomson Course
Technology. 2008. 154-159 and 173-175.
“Factors that Influence D.O.F. Observation.” Worksheet. Instructor-made material. Berks Career and Technology Center.
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
06.07 CONTROL DEPTH OF FIELD WITH APERTURE
GIR 4/10/2020

Evaluation Criteria:
Name: ______________________________
Assignment #1
Indicators/Measurements:
1. Camera focus remained consistent.
2. The exposure value indicated a correct exposure.
3. Correct equivalent exposure was used.
4. Worksheet was completed; observations showed comprehension.
5. Subject selection fit the activity.
6. The images demonstrated a use of composition.
7. White balance was properly set for light environment.
8. The lighting was metered accurately.
9. The contact sheet was properly created and labeled.
10. Camera handling was appropriate.
Total Points Earned:
Needs
Practice
2
Total Points Possible: 20
Average
6
Excellent
10
60 100
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06.07 CONTROL DEPTH OF FIELD WITH APERTURE
GIR 4/10/2020 Page 5

Evaluation Criteria
Page 2
Name: ______________________________
Assignment #2
Indicators/Measurements:
1. Camera focus remained consistent.
2. The exposure value indicated a correct exposure.
3. Correct equivalent exposure was used.
4. Worksheet was completed; observations showed comprehension.
5. Subject selection fit the activity.
6. The images demonstrated a use of composition.
7. White balance was properly set for light environment.
8. The lighting was metered accurately.
9. The contact sheet was properly created and labeled.
10. Camera handling was appropriate.
Total Points Earned:
Needs
Practice
2
Total Points Possible: 20
Average
6
Excellent
10
60 100
Page 6
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
06.07 CONTROL DEPTH OF FIELD WITH APERTURE
GIR 4/10/2020

Evaluation Criteria
Page 3
Name: ______________________________
Assignment #3
Indicators/Measurements:
1. Camera focus remained consistent.
2. The exposure value indicated a correct exposure.
3. Correct equivalent exposure was used.
4. Worksheet was completed; observations showed comprehension.
5. Subject selection fit the activity.
6. The images demonstrated a use of composition.
7. White balance was properly set for light environment.
8. The lighting was metered accurately.
9. The contact sheet was properly created and labeled.
10. Camera handling was appropriate.
Total Points Earned:
Needs
Practice
2
Total Points Possible: 20
Average
6
Excellent
10
60 100
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06.07 CONTROL DEPTH OF FIELD WITH APERTURE
GIR 4/10/2020 Page 7

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GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
06.07 CONTROL DEPTH OF FIELD WITH APERTURE
GIR 4/10/2020

Name: ____________________________
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE D.O.F. OBSERVATION
Worksheet
1.
What three factors influence the depth-of-field of a photograph?
2.
Why is controlling depth-of-field important to the photographer?
3.
When comparing the visual appearance of a subject, as seen through three focal length lenses, identify which had the greatest and the least depth-of-field.
Wide angle: Standard (Normal): Telephoto:
4.
Based upon the observed information, make a general statement concerning the effect that lens focal length has on d.o.f.
5.
After seeing the demonstration on the effect of camera-to-subject distance, what effect does distance have on d.o.f.?
6.
If a photographer is working with small objects, such as jewelry or electronic circuits, what will the depth-of-field be like? How can this situation be improved?
7.
In order to maximize the depth-of-field available, how far into a given composition should the camera lens be focused?
8.
If a telephoto, wide angle, and normal lens are all set at the same f/stop, why are their aperture openings different?
9.
What is meant by circles of confusion?
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