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A little background. I have been trying to experiment with the numerous settings on my camera. Probably unlike most, I do not have a DSLR ( I have a Canon S5 IS ). I hope to be upgrading to one in the next few months. However, what I have surmised, is that I can do much of the same experimentation minus some of the flexibility of a DSLR with the proper lens. Can someone explain the correct method to achieve shallow depth-of-field? Again, I understand that I do not have the ability to maximize the effect by using the appropriate lens, but I'm looking for the settings and technique.
Thanks in advance.

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you can do it in photoshop it you dont have a fast lens. Get Martin Evenings Photoshop cs3 book and he explains all in there.

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Thanks for the reply Damon.
I've done that using software. An example
here

I was more looking for the correct f/stop and/or shutter speed settings to get as much as possible. I achieved that somewhat here. But unfortunately, it was not manually done ;-)

Thanks again,

Craig

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Hi Craig

The proper way to get a shallow depth of field is buy using the aperture setting on your camera or lens i.e. if you have a fast lens with the highest aperture setting of say f2.8. you'd then set your aperture to between f2.8 and say f4.5 to get a shallow depth of field. You are physically opening the aperture in the lens as wide as it goes to let more light in which gives you that shallow depth of field. Hence the saying shooting wide open.

In order to achieve the shallow depth of field that you're after move in closer to your subject and or use a longer lens.

The shutter speed is irrelevant and has no effect on the depth of field what so ever.

I hope this helps

Ian

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That does! Great explanation, thank you!

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pleasure.

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