Dof?

[AdrenoJunkie]

If you look at the two buds on the left, the one in the front has the stem in focus and the bud out of focus. The one in the back has the opposite. I like it, but I'm curious as to how it happened. I'm still really new to photography and have been struggling with DOF. I get the concept, just don't do well in practice. So if someone could explain to me how i got this I'd appreciate it. Any other critique is welcome also.



Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 60 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[gilbill]

Here is my guess, and I am no expert. At 60mm and f3.5 your dof is shallow. The bud in back, the red bud and the stem of the bud in front must be all in the same plane. The out of focus bud must be leaning forward. That is my guess. I can't wait to hear what others say so I can learn as well

[LeeR]

Yep, at f3.5 your depth of field is going to be measured in millimeters. If you want more DOF you are going to have to shoot at a higher aperture (smaller hole) or back away . Since backing away would most likely ruin your composition, that leaves higher aperture, and longer shutter speed. By the time you get to f8 or f11, which is where you need to be, you are most likely going to need a tripod to prevent camera shake. Welcome to the wonderful world of macro!

[JeffSmith]

The other option of course is focus stacking...

Take a few shots focussed on different parts and then merge them into a single image so everything is in focus.

[sgeary]

Ditto to what the others said. It would be interesting to see what F/11 would produce for you in my experience with this though the stem in focus meant the bud was on a different plane. Did you use magnification lenses or a macro lens?

[AdrenoJunkie]

I used a 60mm macro. I think the bud in back and the red bud look like they are on the same plane, but the stem seems to be in front of them. Could be an optical illusion I suppose. Either way I think it makes the picture more interesting to look at. Thanks for the focus stacking idea Jeff, I think that is going to save me alot of cuss words in the future. Do you guys have any other critique of this photo? Comp, lighting, anything? Im an empty vessel waiting to be filled.