OCA Exercise 2; Focus With a Set Aperture

Camera; Canon EOS 550D

Lens; Canon 50mm prime lens f/1.8

Objective;

Produce three photographs of the same subject at a set aperture from the same viewpoint focusing on a different part of the scene. I used my Canon 50mm prime lens as it is my fastest lens at f/1.8 and I thought this would best suit this particular exercise by giving me good depth of field.

Focal Point: 1^st Ornament

In the first image, the focal plane is on the foreground ornament, which throws the middle and background ornaments out of focus, although the viewer can still identify them.

Focal Point: 2^nd Ornament

In this second image, the focal plane is on the middle ground ornament, thus throwing the foreground and background ornaments out of focus.

Focal Point: 3^rd Ornament

For this third and final image, the focal plane is on the background ornament, throwing the foreground and middle ground ornaments out of focus.

Conclusion;

I originally thought my favourite image would be the first photograph, where the 1^st ornament is the focal point. However on further inspection I have come to the decision that the second image (2^nd ornament) is my favourite. I like the way the out of focus ornaments either side frame the in focus ornament.

My second favourite has to be the first image with the 1^st ornament been in focus and thus the subject of this particular photograph. It grabs the viewers attention before their eyes scan the rest of the image before coming to rest back on the main subject.

I also like the third image, where the 3^rd ornament is the main focal point as the two out of focus ornaments leads the viewers eye towards the main subject at the rear of the photograph.

All of the above images work for different reasons, and depending on the subject and what the photographer is trying to gain from their photograph, would depend on what focal point would be best suited.