Depth of Field - Annie Leibovtiz

Depth of field is the amount of distance between the nearest and farthest objects that appear in acceptably sharp focus in a photograph. Usually the depth of field only reaches the most important

part of the photo, whereas the photographer could possibly make the rest of the image blurry. However, depth of field (DOF) is interpreted and used differently by different photographers. It is all a matter of personal preference when trying to determine the appropriate use of DOF to enhance an effect in a photograph.

Depth of Field in This Photo

The depth of field in this photo is very easy to spot. The focus is sharpest on the actor in photo holding a swan, as well some of the grass at the bottom of the photo. Everything behind the actor (the background) is blurred, possibly for the effect of the actor standing out.

FACTUAL: This photo was taken by American Portrait and Fashion photographer Annie Leibovitz. This picture was taken in 1997, of the then-budding and still no Oscar Award, actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Leonardo has been a wide variety of majorly successful films, including Titanic, Inception and Romeo + Juliet.

CONTEXT: This picture was taken for popular magazine, Vanity Fair, and has since been an iconic photo. The swan wrapped around the handsome actor’s neck was seen as a very sensitive, bold and iconic photo. In 2001, Icelandic singer Björk mimicked the photo in the form of a dress, and to this day is one of the most infamous red carpet dresses to name.

TECHNICAL: Due to the colours of the photo, i think this picture was taken on a black and white camera, possibly a film one.

AESTHETIC: What i like the most about this photo is the whole concept of the swan around Leonardo’s neck. How such a simple thing, image wise, could create such a powerful effect in such a weird way. I love how the photographer has chosen to put the swan instead of any other animal - a swan conveys emotion, lobe and beauty, maybe the point of having the swan there was to imply those elements on Leonardo as well.

For a more thorough explanation on Depth of Field, watch this vimeo clip.
  Depth of Field from Blurred Eye Vision on Vimeo. 

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