Depth of field can be shallow or deep.
Depth of field refers to the area of a picture plane between nearest object in focus to the furthest. It is a term most commonly used in photography, but it can be applied to any artistic medium where the feeling of three dimensional space is created on a two dimensional surface by means of "differential focus," or differences in focal points on a single picture plane. Deep depth of field means that most of objects in the picture plane are in sharp focus. Shallow depth of field means that only the primary subject is in sharp focus; all other objects in front of, or behind, the primary subject are out of focus, creating the illusion of three dimensional space.
Instructions
1. Decide how deep or narrow you wish to make the depth of field for your composition. Choose a focal point for your composition. Choose your area of background and foreground and arrange the elements of your composition as you wish them to appear in the final image.
2. Render elements in sharp focus at the focal point of your composition by painting objects with clearly defined details. Use contrast, fine lines and distinct colors to render objects vividly within the area of the focal point. Small, precise brush strokes can create more distinct and coherent elements in an image.
3. Render elements with fewer details in your background, as they recede from the focal point. Use less defined lines, less contrast and more muted colors. Broad brush strokes will create a softer focus, or blurred effect, for your background elements. Use dark, cool colors to create a receding effect for background elements, making these elements appear to be behind the focal point.
4. Render elements with fewer details in your foreground, as they advance from the focal point. Use less defined lines, less contrast and more muted colors. Broader brushstrokes will create a soft focus effect. Lighter, warmer colors create an advancing effect for the elements in the foreground making these elements appear to be in front of the focal point.
Tags: focal point, your composition, picture plane, Render elements, sharp focus, background elements