What does Depth of Field (DOF) measure?

Depth of Field (DOF) measures the distance between the closest and furthest points in focus within a shot. It determines how much of the scene in front of and behind the subject appears sharp and clear. A shallow depth of field results in only a small area being in focus, which can help isolate the subject from the background, creating a pleasing aesthetic effect often used in portrait photography and filmmaking. Conversely, a deep depth of field keeps more of the scene in focus, which is commonly used in landscape photography to ensure that both the foreground and background are clearly visible.

Understanding this concept is crucial for videography as it directly impacts storytelling through visual composition. By manipulating the DOF, a videographer can guide the viewer's attention to specific elements in the frame, enhance the emotional impact of a scene, or convey spatial relationships more effectively. This technical aspect plays a significant role in how visual information is perceived in the final production.