What does the term "depth of field" refer to?

The term "depth of field" specifically refers to the range of distance within a photograph that appears acceptably sharp. This concept is crucial in photography because it influences how the viewer perceives the subject in relation to its background and foreground. A shallow depth of field means only a small part of the image is in focus, which is often used to isolate the subject from a distracting background. In contrast, a deep depth of field allows more of the scene to be in focus, which can be ideal for landscape photography where detail across the entire frame is desired.

Understanding depth of field is essential for photographers as it affects the composition and emotional impact of an image. Achieving the desired depth can involve manipulating variables such as aperture, focal length, and distance from the subject, which are fundamental techniques for mastering photographic expression.