Nature Shallow depth of field

hks_kansei · 11-10-2013, 05:13 AM

To me the face should be in focus, eyes, nose, the lot.

It's just distracting to me to see the nose out of focus, and would be equally distracting to have the eyes out.

Darrell Raw · 11-10-2013, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by canajuneh

Different query - what kind of snake is it?

It's a boa constrictor - Boa constrictor imperator. It's a smaller sub species found in Central /northern parts of South America. They usually reach a length of about 2.5m maximum, but some have exceeded 3.7m. I'm hoping this one is going to stay smaller, I have a 12' (3.6m) African Rock Python which is a more slender species, and the weight and size of that snake is almost unmanageable. I can't imagine the weight of a tubby boa at 3.6m!

Na Horuk · 11-10-2013, 09:41 AM

I usually dont like shallow DoF, but jn this case I think it works great. It adds mystery, makes the snake look more dangerous, makes the viewer wonder what he is missing. It works with an animal like that, because it has those sharp eyes and is generally thought of as a dangerous, predatory animal. So yeah, really great shot, amazing that you nailed the focus and framing so well. In this case, a wider DoF might not improve the photo.

millsware · 11-10-2013, 12:23 PM

I would vote eyes, but I think in this specific shot the out of focus nose is a little distracting. It's a blurry spot right in the middle of the photo. The whole head in focus would have been better.

Vylen · 11-10-2013, 12:31 PM

For this shot I feel that having the nose to eyes (whole head) in focus. This was an active snake - it's head raised and you can even see a small portion of its tongue; it was checking you out. It was as close to an "action"shot you could get with a snake without being a victim

Darrell Raw · 11-10-2013, 02:54 PM

Originally posted by Vylen

For this shot I feel that having the nose to eyes (whole head) in focus. This was an active snake - it's head raised and you can even see a small portion of its tongue; it was checking you out. It was as close to an "action"shot you could get with a snake without being a victim

She's never bitten me. Tried a few times just after I got her, had mites and a mild respiratory infection, and she didn't like the treatments involved too much! Now she's healthy and happy, she doesn't even hiss any more. But when she turns that stare on you, you know she's pure predator....

bezuidar · 11-11-2013, 03:57 AM

Also agree that the entire head should be in focus.

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11-10-2013, 05:13 AM	#16
hks_kansei Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 834	To me the face should be in focus, eyes, nose, the lot. It's just distracting to me to see the nose out of focus, and would be equally distracting to have the eyes out.

11-10-2013, 09:30 AM	#17
Darrell Raw Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Surrey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 134 Original Poster	Originally posted by canajuneh Different query - what kind of snake is it? It's a boa constrictor - Boa constrictor imperator. It's a smaller sub species found in Central /northern parts of South America. They usually reach a length of about 2.5m maximum, but some have exceeded 3.7m. I'm hoping this one is going to stay smaller, I have a 12' (3.6m) African Rock Python which is a more slender species, and the weight and size of that snake is almost unmanageable. I can't imagine the weight of a tubby boa at 3.6m!

11-10-2013, 09:41 AM	#18
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	I usually dont like shallow DoF, but jn this case I think it works great. It adds mystery, makes the snake look more dangerous, makes the viewer wonder what he is missing. It works with an animal like that, because it has those sharp eyes and is generally thought of as a dangerous, predatory animal. So yeah, really great shot, amazing that you nailed the focus and framing so well. In this case, a wider DoF might not improve the photo.

11-10-2013, 12:23 PM	#19
millsware Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 70	I would vote eyes, but I think in this specific shot the out of focus nose is a little distracting. It's a blurry spot right in the middle of the photo. The whole head in focus would have been better.

11-10-2013, 12:31 PM	#20
Vylen Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,262	For this shot I feel that having the nose to eyes (whole head) in focus. This was an active snake - it's head raised and you can even see a small portion of its tongue; it was checking you out. It was as close to an "action"shot you could get with a snake without being a victim

11-10-2013, 02:54 PM	#21
Darrell Raw Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Surrey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 134 Original Poster	Originally posted by Vylen For this shot I feel that having the nose to eyes (whole head) in focus. This was an active snake - it's head raised and you can even see a small portion of its tongue; it was checking you out. It was as close to an "action"shot you could get with a snake without being a victim She's never bitten me. Tried a few times just after I got her, had mites and a mild respiratory infection, and she didn't like the treatments involved too much! Now she's healthy and happy, she doesn't even hiss any more. But when she turns that stare on you, you know she's pure predator....

11-11-2013, 03:57 AM	#22
bezuidar Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Centurion, South Africa Photos: Gallery Posts: 380	Also agree that the entire head should be in focus.