Home > Why FocalPoint 2 > Problem Landscape Problem Landscape The use of selective focus has been part of photography
since the very first lenses where invented. There are many techniques used to
control either the plane of focus or removing sharpness from edges. The most
common way to do this is by controlling depth of field in the camera by using a
large aperture lens producing a narrow depth of field. This technique is also
used on large format cameras where the plane of focus can be controlled through
aperture but also by changing the relationship between the film plane and the
lens allowing for sophisticated control. Photographers also have access to
auxiliary lenses, filters and vignetters that can be added at the time of
shooting to create selective focus. The use of selective focus is used to
remove distracting backgrounds and to focus the viewers attention on the subject. It
also has artistic applications as well. This is a popular look in both portrait
and wedding work but also commercial and editorial photography, especially
food. All of the above mentioned techniques are used at the time the photograph
is taken and require additional hardware, i.e. lenses, and knowledge of how to use them. Many
of these tools have not transferred to digital or behave differently with
digital photography. It is possible to create blur or selective focus in Photoshop but it can be difficult to master and time consuming. In addition, the cost of some lenses make them prohibitive to many photographers. See also |