Focus with a set aperture

This is an exercise to assess the results of focussing on a specific item when using a fixed aperture.

All of the shots in this exercise were taken at f2.8 and 70mm length on a full frame DSLR.

When got married in May 2014, we had our guests write messages to us using Jenga blocks – an alternative to a guest book.  This set of photographs has those blocks lined up along a table to create a long line.

Three shots were then taken focussed on the closest block, a mid point block and lastly a block furthest away.

In all three shots the block that is in focus stands out from the others and the eye is therefore drawn to that block.

In the case of there three pictures,  I prefer the picture with the focus on the furthest away block – the one that says ‘Gina B’ on it.

For the closest focus block, the other blocks are so far out of focus that it is not possible to see them at all.  Although this does draw ones attention to the closest block, the overall purpose of the picture is lost, it does not convey a lot of blocks with messages on them.

For the mid focus block, the above problem is resolved, all of the other blocks are recognisable as blocks and so the intent of the picture is intact.  However, there happens to be a number of blocks that have fallen into focus and so there is no single point that the eye is drawn to.

For the furthest focus block, my favourite picture, all of the blocks are recognisable but there is only one that is in focus.  The ‘Gina B’ block.  It clearly stands out from the others, almost as if I put it there on purpose – which I did not.  If this was not an exercise, I would take this picture with just a slightly narrower aperture to bring the front blocks slightly more into focus.

Closest Object Focus

Middle Object Focus

Furthest Object Focus