Here's a wonderful example of the use of creative DOF (Depth of Field)! What IS DOF? The depth of field is the area within a picture which is in sharp focus, while the rest of the area is (purposely) blurred by the photographer. Why do we do this? Wouldn't it be better if everything in the picture were sharp and in focus? The answer is: not always. Many times we purposely choose to blur certain parts of our images for creative reasons.

This image was taken outdoors, where the background was not the most pleasant; other people, distracting patches of dirt among some dying trees, and smoggy air. If this whole picture was in focus, it would be virtually worthless (as well as ugly); but by creatively limiting the depth of field, we were able to "hide" the background, while still getting an attractive, pensive looking model in an acceptable picture. Techniques like these (creative DOF) are the hallmarks of good photography; instead of losing a perfectly good picture because of an unattractive background or setting, we simply "blurred" the parts of the picture that were distracting.

This technique also allows us to accomplish two of the most important goals we must have in every good photograph (see here if you forgot)! It allows us to direct the viewer's attention to the subject (she's the only thing in focus in the picture, so the viewer's eyes go directly to our subject), plus it allows us to simplify the photograph by eliminating anything else that might distract the viewer (or detract from the shot). It ain't rocket science, folks, there are only perhaps 25 or 50 major photographic techniques that we must learn, and then we simply use them over and over again for every shot. Heck, if you could learn the alphabet at 5 or 6 years old, you can learn photography now! You just have to have the right tools, and ask yourself the right questions for each shot (what am I trying to say with this picture? How can I direct the viewer's attention to my subject? How can I eliminate any distracting elements from this picture? How can I make my subject look good? - and then use the photographic techniques you'll be learning here and in books and magazines, to get the image you want). Don't give up; keep at it and you will succeed! Heck, if you've read this far, you have the interest and motivation already. Congratulations!