Project 52 :: 2012
Week 10 :: Depth of Field
Before I approach this week's assignment, I was hoping to generate some conversation about the theme of depth of field.
If I asked you to close your eyes and think "depth of field", I feel certain many of us would picture something in sharp focus, most likely in the foreground, with the remaining of the composition out of focus; in other words, shallow focus or shallow depth of field. The example from the film "Se7en" below being one of my favorites.
Consider the still from "Citizen Kane". This, too, is an example of depth of field. Some might say that the example from "Se7en" is more stylish, but I think this misses the mark. Shallow Depth of field is just a more obvious form of style. We tend to think that Deep Focus is a "normal" shot and shallow focus is a more "photographer's" shot. Deep Focus is for snap shots of the kids at Disneyland. Shallow focus are for those who know what they are doing.
Orson Wells used depth of field for both "stylistic" [read: aesthetic] reasons and narrative reasons. In the scene below, the deep focus signified that all were being affected by the signing of the document, which gave the guardianship of the young Charles Foster Kane over to the lawyer, Walter Thatcher. Well united the characters and the event through the depth of field and then used scale to tell the story of significance and power within the scene. Without even knowing the story, you could tell that the mother is in a position of power, followed closely by the lawyer. The father has little to no say and is reduced in scale compared to the other two. The child [Charles Foster Kane] is the smallest and the least in power, having his future decide for him. By joining the techniques of depth of field [in this case, deep] with the use of scale, Wells [or really Gregg Toland, cinematographer of "Citizen Kane"] tells a story. I would like to see more photos that tell a story than just look "stylish". [This analysis is not solely my own. It was more elegantly stated by and others.]
Mind you, this is not a knock on those who use shallow depth of field, when they use it well. This still from "Se7en" accomplishes much with its use of shallow depth of field. This shot conceals the identity of John Doe till later and helps develop the idea that he is in control the entire time, even after he is police custody [by choice]. This shallow depth of field serves both aesthetic and narrative purposes. Kudos to Fincher and Darius.
Some who disagree with my observations may point out that both my examples are from films and are not photographs in and of themselves. Well to that I give the official credit of Darius Khondji for "Se7en", Director of Photographer. Seek to be inspired by those outside of your immediate circle. Given the nature of DSLR and the compression of photography and videography into the same device, these are no longer independent persuits.
I would love to here your thoughts on this topic as well as your planning [or pre-prodiction to steal the phrase from the film industry] ideas for this week's shot.
[djc]
about.me/danieljcollins
@mooroyjenkins
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Week 10 :: Depth of Field
Before I approach this week's assignment, I was hoping to generate some conversation about the theme of depth of field.
If I asked you to close your eyes and think "depth of field", I feel certain many of us would picture something in sharp focus, most likely in the foreground, with the remaining of the composition out of focus; in other words, shallow focus or shallow depth of field. The example from the film "Se7en" below being one of my favorites.
My question is why is this the case. Depth of field is often used for aesthetic reasons; meaning it just looks good. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I think this leaves half of the power of depth of field unused; that being the narrative tool it can also be.
Consider the still from "Citizen Kane". This, too, is an example of depth of field. Some might say that the example from "Se7en" is more stylish, but I think this misses the mark. Shallow Depth of field is just a more obvious form of style. We tend to think that Deep Focus is a "normal" shot and shallow focus is a more "photographer's" shot. Deep Focus is for snap shots of the kids at Disneyland. Shallow focus are for those who know what they are doing.
Orson Wells used depth of field for both "stylistic" [read: aesthetic] reasons and narrative reasons. In the scene below, the deep focus signified that all were being affected by the signing of the document, which gave the guardianship of the young Charles Foster Kane over to the lawyer, Walter Thatcher. Well united the characters and the event through the depth of field and then used scale to tell the story of significance and power within the scene. Without even knowing the story, you could tell that the mother is in a position of power, followed closely by the lawyer. The father has little to no say and is reduced in scale compared to the other two. The child [Charles Foster Kane] is the smallest and the least in power, having his future decide for him. By joining the techniques of depth of field [in this case, deep] with the use of scale, Wells [or really Gregg Toland, cinematographer of "Citizen Kane"] tells a story. I would like to see more photos that tell a story than just look "stylish". [This analysis is not solely my own. It was more elegantly stated by and others.]
Mind you, this is not a knock on those who use shallow depth of field, when they use it well. This still from "Se7en" accomplishes much with its use of shallow depth of field. This shot conceals the identity of John Doe till later and helps develop the idea that he is in control the entire time, even after he is police custody [by choice]. This shallow depth of field serves both aesthetic and narrative purposes. Kudos to Fincher and Darius.
Some who disagree with my observations may point out that both my examples are from films and are not photographs in and of themselves. Well to that I give the official credit of Darius Khondji for "Se7en", Director of Photographer. Seek to be inspired by those outside of your immediate circle. Given the nature of DSLR and the compression of photography and videography into the same device, these are no longer independent persuits.
I would love to here your thoughts on this topic as well as your planning [or pre-prodiction to steal the phrase from the film industry] ideas for this week's shot.
[djc]
about.me/danieljcollins
@mooroyjenkins
Project 52 :: Week 9
Theme :: In the Workplace
Commentary on the Tardy Essay
When my students are tardy too many times in a month, I require that they copy, by hand, an annoying essay about being tardy to class. One of my students added his commentary to the essay after completing the assignment.
From: Google + Project 52 projec
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Theme :: In the Workplace
Commentary on the Tardy Essay
When my students are tardy too many times in a month, I require that they copy, by hand, an annoying essay about being tardy to class. One of my students added his commentary to the essay after completing the assignment.
From: Google + Project 52 projec
Project 52 :: Week 7
Theme :: Shadows
4 Trees
From: Google + Project 52 project
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Theme :: Shadows
4 Trees
From: Google + Project 52 project
Project 52 :: Week 6
Theme :: Signs
From: Google + Project 52 project
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Theme :: Signs
From: Google + Project 52 project
Project 52 :: Week 5
Theme :: Eyes
\
From: Google + Project 52 project
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Theme :: Eyes
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From: Google + Project 52 project
Project 52 :: Week 4
Theme :: Up
From: Google + Project 52 project
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Theme :: Up
From: Google + Project 52 project