Nikon D5100 Experience Manual page 63

Nikon D5100 Experience
Figure 41 –Figurines, Chichicastenango, Guatemala – Image makes use of dramatic depth of
field to emphasize the main subject, subject fills the frame, and a low point of view used to view
the subject at its level. Shutter speed 1/80, Aperture f/4.0, ISO 200
Backgrounds
Pay attention to the backgrounds of your compositions. You may be concentrating on your
subject when you take a photo, but everything around it, even far in the distance, will all be
rendered in two dimensions in your image, and potentially may become distracting. So consider
how near and distant elements will relate when compressed into two dimensions. Eliminate
distracting elements though use of shallow dof, or by repositioning yourself or the subject.
Remember that the ground or the sky can become the background if you change your position
and point of view. Also pay attention to the relative lightness or darkness of the background
compared to the subject and reposition yourself or your subject for the most flattering or the
desired background. Do not place your subject immediately in front of a background such as a
wall or foliage, but separate the subject and background by several feet. This will allow you to
make use of shallow depth of field and render the background out of focus, thus calling more
attention to your subject and minimizing any background distractions.
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