Today’s lesson allowed us to trial and explore manipulating the depth of field when filming. We learnt how to mark the points of focus on the camera and manipulate them as we were filming. This meant that we could change the focal point on demand. Particularly helpful when actors move around the frame or are the central topic within a scene. The depth of field can be controlled and manipulated through three technical adjustments; lens focal length, lens aperture and the positioning of the camera.

Using camera tape, we marked the places on the camera’s focus ring which correlated with the appropriate focal lengths we needed for the subjects in our scene. This meant we had to map out where each character would be positioned and would move within the frame, deciding on what needed to be in focus, and when. We numbered the points we marked with tape, so that we could change the focus with the appropriate timing to relate to the movement within the frame. Everyone in the class was able to try out the adjusting of the camera’s focus in pairs. This meant one person would be checking the framed imagery and one would watch the action whilst moving the focus ring with the movement in relation to the numbered marks.

I look forward to using this skill at some point in my filming endeavours! I don’t think I will need it for the idea I have for my project this time around. This is mainly because I’m filming rather active movement and will be doing this alone. I can see what I can do with my Nikon D3100 and have a play around though – will be using this to film as it’s not bulky and I can travel with it easily.