DOF Notes:2 - Blurring backgrounds with shots of multiple people

[RichardTaylor]

On another thread, on this site, this question was asked.
Quote
"so i wonder how people get such nice sharp shots of multiple people plus blurring in the background? a loooong lens?"
End quote.

I was asked if I could post my response as a tute.

My response;
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Most of my people shots are candids.
However my thoughts
Try to have the people on the same plane (distance from you) if you can't do that then have the background in the distance as far away as possible. A longer focal length does help as you can be further away from your subject but the background will be brought in closer however the DOF will drop of very rapidly..

A couple of examples from my Flickr stream

(1) Both roughly on the same plane. Notice the city street is a bit blurred but not a lot. (It's not that far away.

Camera Canon EOS 40D
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 78 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias -1 EV
Subject Distance 4.55 m (~15 feet)

(2) Not on the same plane However I am shooting at 19metres (62feet) so even at F4 and 140mm I have approx 9' (3m) DOF to cover the whole group. Notice the background is nicely blurred.
The pic has been slightly softened when PPing.

Camera Canon EOS 40D
Exposure 1/3200 sec
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 140 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias -1/3 EV
Subject Distance 19.1 m (~62')

(3) However it can be a fine line.
Same camera, aperture & shooting distance is the same. The only thing now is I am at 200mm and my DOF has halved. If I wanted the person in the background sharp I should have been around F8 at the very least.

Camera Canon EOS 40D
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/2000)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 200 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias -1/3 EV
Subject Distance 19.1 m (~62')

Hope this helps.
Richard
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Part one of this series is here:
Head shots using a 50mm lens.
DOF Notes:1 - Head shots using a 50mm lens.

[troutwhisperer]

Richard (and Celesta from the other post) thanks for the information. I have developed a head ache from reading and studying the information, but that is a good thing as is is starting to sink in. Understanding is just around the corner.

[RichardTaylor]

Thanks.
I think the main thing is to get out there and have a play around. I find that is the easiest way to learn.

[troutwhisperer]

Richard, I agree and that is what I did. Have not got it completely sorted out but I am on my way. Thanks again for the input and links.

[Naala]

I want to thank you for both articles and links too, it will be so more reliable to know why and what you have to do instead of trying it out until you get it, and then come home and see you didnt really get it Well, it will take some time and practice to sink in but at least it will.

[RichardTaylor]

Thanks. Glad to help out.