HOW TO GET A BLURRY BACKGROUND IN-CAMERA! Depth of field explained.

[@simon_dentremont]

What’s your favorite technique for smooth backgrounds?

[@pepper6253]

Getting in closer 😊. Excellent explanation i always learn something new from your vlogs. Much appreciation for all your work.

[@mariaceciliarey72]

Maximum aperture and focal length. And, whenever possible, choosing a far background and getting close to the subject. 🙂

[@careylymanjones]

I shoot at my local zoo a lot. Long lens, wide open, get as close to the bars, as I can. Use manual focus, if necessary, to focus on the subject, instead of the bars. Bars go bye-bye. Depth Of Field is not just for blurring backgrounds. Out of focus foreground elements can either be made to disappear, or form a blurred frame for your subject.

[@Twobarpsi]

Having the subject far from the background! This way I can use higher apertures like 5.6 to have the whole subject in focus, with a nice bokeh.

[@roribune8162]

Getting low to the ground, or moving sideways to where the bg is further away!

[@ModestMeowprs]

Your content has helped me become a better photographer!

[@AlbertoDelaini]

Welcome to the club

[@carlos.sierra]

Same! Great video!

[@agustinsapad7575]

Me too!!!.... ❤🎉

[@T-Slider]

THIS is the first and only comprehensive explanation of bokeh I’ve encountered since 1970! Simon presents it simply, and clearly! There IS nothing else to know, or understand about bokeh! Well done Simon!!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!!

[@Jmememomo]

Indeed, easy enough to understand and comprehend.

[@anujasharma9677]

Excellent video Simon. Love the way you covered each point.

[@andrewmenchions6962]

Agreed! Wish I had these when I was learning all this stuff the hard way 10+ years ago! What a resource these videos are.

[@JamesMilliron]

This is a better explanation than I got in film school.

[@yasminhendricksa4664]

I feel like I should be paying for this level of content quality

[@johnschellhorn-fo7qu]

In 50 years of photography I have never has depth of field and Bokeh better explained. Outstanding Simon, thank you for the obvious effort you put into this video.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@qbs2k609]

Your video style is easily understandable even as a foreigner who doesn't use english as a main language. Also the way you explain things makes it really easy to understand and remember for the future. I have discovered this channel a few weeks ago and it is the best photography channel I found. Keep up the good work Simon! :)

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you! 😃

[@CreativeIsolation]

Absolutely the best!

[@philipcolumbus3054]

Yep, he’s not bad for a persnickety Canadian! 😂😂😂

[@lifstrup1]

I'm from Denmark and I couldn't have said it better. I have learned so much from watching Simon's videos

[@simon_dentremont]

@@philipcolumbus3054we all have our crosses to bear!

[@trapattoni_]

Nothing better than the notification saying Simon uploaded a new video. Thanks for sharing your valuable content!

[@davidgommeren7283]

Just as you think there is a subject that you completely understand and can't learn anything new about (even though it is always hard to put into practice), Simon gives another tip to improve your photos you didn't know or think about. Great video, many thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

I appreciate that!

[@CreativeIsolation]

Same experience for me! His depth of (knowledge in the) field is unmatched!

[@smarsh599]

Absolutely brilliant explanation and demonstration. The best I've seen. Thank you so much.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@robertupchurch8088]

Your videos are outstanding. When I was younger I was into film photography and understood the basics of SS, aperture, ASA, etc. Years later I buy a fairly sophisticated digital camera and was overwhelmed with all control options,. So I shot in auto too much. You videos inspired me to dust off the 400 page manual and tame it. Your video are like a class where I really liked the professor, I looked forward to each class.

[@reinhard8053]

I think the auto modes of today are really good and return usable photos most of the time. No need to go to completely manual most of the times. But it's good to know which values to control for the desired effect and let the auto do the rest. Especially if your motives are not in a controlled environment.

[@larryfuentes9404]

Simon is my new go to channel to learn more about DSLR and Photography.

[@tmsmqwx]

I've been a photographer for many years. I've never had someone demonstrate - verbally and graphically - the relationship between aperture size and depth of field with respect to the steeper angle of the light rays - brilliant. Thanks. Also, I like that you alternately described a thin DOF as "shallow." That word works better for me conceptually, as I suspect it does for others.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@BoReynolds]

This is the first time I actually noticed the perfect line around YOU in the talking head part of this video. Background light? Buddy, you are the best online. So much value from your videos. well done. Bo

[@allanu6416]

You are the "Monet"" of photography...a great, great artist!

[@The_Gate_Keepers]

Less than a week into wildlife photography and I feel more comfortable learning every photography tip from you sir, thank you a lot much. All the way in Botswana.

[@e-mastercorporation6995]

Simon knows his stuff and explains it well.

[@93MysticFox]

My Dad was WA State Wildlife photographer in the 80s with the old OM1 & OM2, your work is amazing Sir!!!

[@TomReichner]

I have seen these concepts explained dozens of times over the years, and I think your explanations here are the ones that make it easiest ti understand. Excellently done video! I especially appreciate the production quality - you put a lot of work into this and it shows!

[@simon_dentremont]

Cool, thanks!

[@tristfularcadia]

While I knew all this information already, this was by far the best explanation of it I've ever seen. I wish I would have been able to watch this video when I first started doing photography.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad to hear it!

[@paulhorten2736]

A great lesson in a moment where I am starting again using my Canon for a very specific reason: Taking pictures to be used as reference photos for my job as a watercolorist. For landscapes, of course, you don't need a blurry background, but when making portraits you need to concentrate on the face of the subject.

[@ACSThomson]

I learn so much from this channel! As a beginner, the subjectivity and artistry of photography feel very daunting to me. Your clear explanations of the physics behind the techniques makes it much more digestible. Every time you post and I learn something, I enjoy photography even more.

[@tpitman]

The diagrams you show of how the depth of field changes with aperture and focal length are the clearest explanations I've ever seen.

[@kzil]

You provide the best and most concise explanations about photography on KZbin. I truly appreciate the lack of click-bait and hype.

[@carlomaule]

As in every Simon video there is always something to learn to try to improve our passion! Thanks Simon

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@ChuckErvin]

Simon, Excellent video. Thank you for taking the time to do a thorough explanation and create the diagrams to represent your comments. I’m amazed at how many different topics you are able to provide to us and all have been very interesting. I love when I see you have a new video in my KZbin feed.

[@simon_dentremont]

You are very welcome

[@jshootsraw]

You’re tutorials are incredible. Concise and very informative. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@youphototube]

You think you know it all and then you listen to Simon. Thank you for dropping a few more cogs onto position.

[@KellyPettit]

You are one of the best explainers of photography on the net. Your style and words make it all very clear. I've known most of this stuff (minus the bonus tip -which I always look forward to) for years. But, a refreshing thank you, Simon! My only "small" wish is that you get back out into the field again. I'm sure it's much harder to put together those kind of videos. I get it. Thanks heaps for what you do and always look forward to your vlogs! Merci beaucoup!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks. I do like the in-the-field videos, but unfortunately KZbin shows them to many fewer people than my educational ones.

[@KellyPettit]

@@simon_dentremont just keep going! You’re doing well and have heaps of supports like me.

[@CreativeIsolation]

@@simon_dentremontI bet, now that you are so thoroughly established on KZbin, if you had an idea for an “in the field” video and you applied what you’ve learned about thumbnails and titles over the last year, and kept an educational component to it, you’d probably still get decent viewership, no? Now I’m curious how your Botswana video did. It was lovely. It’s possible the length scared viewers off? I geek out over this stuff. I just checked and it did well! Not your top video but 80k views ain’t bad at all!

[@fritzsalar]

Because of this Channel, I was inspired and bought my first camera. His explanation makes it easier to understand for beginners like me in the world of photography. PRO at its finest! Thank you sir!

[@codywinter4818]

I mostly know these techniques, but that was a great explanation of WHY they work! Still learned something and it was awesome.

[@Createwithfranzsidney]

I must have recommended your channel, Simon, to hundreds of people in the past few months. You are a treasure of knowledge and your teaching style is concise and down to earth. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@KabirDhupelia]

I watched this video for fun as I thought I knew everything I needed to know but you explain things so well, I feel like I’ve learned a whole lot more!

[@firefeethok_tui2355]

Just cant say enough how helpful your videos are. Just facts and examples which is so helpful and not a lot of superfluous language in between. We love these videos. Thank you by the time my camera arrives. I might actually know a little bit about how to use it.

[@temporary-m7h]

By far, the most technical and best explanation of how a lens works. Thanks

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

This is one of the best explanations of depth of field and the many ways that you can manipulate it to get desired effects. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikefoster6018]

Great video as always. Reminds me of when I started photography (not so long ago) and only shot at f1.2 (on crop sensor) because its results felt instantly professional! Recently, I've gone the other way by trying to keep most of each scene in focus (for street shots), which certainly presents additional challenges for composition.

[@cherifyahia9911]

I'm new into photography, the amount of information i got from your videos is priceless, clear informative and straight to the point, thank you so much I'm exploring on my sony A7R4 ,

[@sarahbatsford4791]

Used your techniques today & they make such a difference. Binging on your videos as they really are well explained. Thank you.

[@DrLoneyDal]

Did it again - made the basics of good photography understandable for many. Amazing channel - still the best!

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@philippelang.photographie]

Thanks for exaplaining why "focal" wins over "distance" when it comes to blurry backgrounds! Great video as always!

[@Wildicon19]

I am learning so much from your videos. You get to the point, and explain it so anyone can understand. Coupled with your diagrams your teaching techniques are unmatched!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@Wildicon19]

You are welcome.@@simon_dentremont

[@akidibrahim906]

I found your channel a few days ago and I can't stop watching your video 😭 thanks for the tutorial

[@mariposa.2507]

Excellent video! As always! 🙂A comment to your bonus tip: Yes, with a larger sensor you can get closer to the object. But with a crop sensor you have a larger focus length. This makes it also possible to get a beautiful blurry background.

[@michalkubecek]

I liked how the video emphaiszes that the answer how focal length affects DoF is quite different, depending whether you mean "with constant subject distance" or "with constant field of view". And it's IMHO the same with the last part about sensor size. Strictly speaking, there is no reason why larger sensor would mean shallower depth of field. In practice, though, we usually compare taking the same scene (i.e. from the same spot and with the same field of view) with the same exposition parameters (including apperture). In other words, if we want to take "the same picture", we need shorter focal length with smaller sensor (which is where the "full frame equivalent" term comes from). And that's why from practical point of view, sensor size does matter in practice: because we are comparing e.g. 50mm on fullframe not against 50mm on APS-C but against 75 or 80mm. So while we are still shooting at e.g. "f/4" with both sensors, the "f" in "f/4" is different and so is the depth of field.

[@bernym4047]

I have known about the various techniques for reducing or increasing depth of field for some time but never considered the technical reasons why. Your explanation made a lot of sense. I use a raw file processor with very sophisticated masking facilities so can often introduce blurred backgrounds in post. Otherwise, I have a nice collection of old, wide aperture primes that I bought 2nd hand that have nice short DOF at wide apertures and are nice to use on landscapes. Thank you for another great video.

[@803scr]

just picked up a m50 mark ii. I've watched 2 videos so far and both were informative but easy to retain info.

[@ksnmurthy4476]

What an illustrative tutorial Simon. So we’ll explained with such a clarity. Thanks. 😎👏🏽

[@brianalpert2383]

A superb explanation of the relationship between depth of field, bokeh, and focal length. Bravo!

[@FlatWaterFilms]

Thanks for the reminders. Also, I would like to add, on moving subjects, including flowers (windy days) focus using SERVO mode!

[@scillyautomatic]

I've been blown away by what new phone cameras can do. At first glance the make some amazing photo even with a long lens look. Sadly, few people will take the time to study the thousands of photos they interact with on a daily basis and phone pics look just fine to them.

[@trevvrun]

When I first started learning photography I watched about 265 videos that, when put together, taught me the same amount of info that you just crammed in one 12 min video. You're the best photography guy on KZbin.

[@simon_dentremont]

Too kind!

[@uncertainrelease]

little note about the difference in depth of field and sensor size part: with a full frame camera you can get close to your subject that the closer focus distance will make the DOF decrease. but you can also compensate by going with a longer lens. Let's say you use a 200mm lens on an APS-C camera with a crop factor of 1.5. If you want to achieve the same angle of view with a full frame camera, you'll need to pick a lens that as the same equivalent focal length as on the APS-C body, so here 300mm. If the aperture value is the same, then the fact that you're using a longer lens will make the background blurrier, even if you didn't get closer.

[@flemmingmorgan1929]

Great explanation of DOF! Look forward to looking at your photos from Botswana

[@noctisarcanus7894]

Although I already knew everything you said, you explained it so well and clearly that it makes more sense now. Your animations and examples were absolutely perfect and I loved that website for simulating different camera settings! This is top tier quality content, keep it up! 😎👍

[@denisturcott5131]

Your explanations are simple and easy to understand. I have always had crop sensor cameras. I have a Rebel XT i, a 7D and a 7D II. Having a limited amount of money I have a 10-20mm, a 15-85mm, a 70-200 f 2.8 and a 150-600 mm to play with. Using full frame lenses sure help to make good images. The crop sensor lenses are not bad but are now like full frame lenses. I work around this just like you say by trying to get closer or to find a better angle. Sometimes it isn't possible and you get what you get. Shooting for fairs or track events are a prime example of that with lighting and where they allow you to shoot. Best thing to do is shoot everything and don't be afraid to try other settings.

[@candyclickphotography6452]

What a way to clarify the dof....hats off sir

[@markusbolliger1527]

All points you make are correct, as usual. But even in wildlife photography it is by no means necessary or even wishvoll to always blur the background. There are many means to emphasize the main subject without blurring the background: Light, colour, composition etc. Often it is even desirable to show the habitat of an animal, what makes the image more interesting than a completly isolated animal desplayed in a blurred environment. This summer I had an encounter with a trustingly fox in our Swiss National Park. I therefore was able to photograph it with my wide angle lens only in a distance of only about three meters: It probably became the most impressive image of an animal I ever shot: The fox dominantly in front of a range of high mountains in the background.

[@simon_dentremont]

Nice!

[@orlandoreina1983]

You are a walking Photography Academy. That's why I watch all your videos 😁. Thank you!

[@TomatenDK]

Lovely explained 👌 Once again you´re glued to the screen when Simon posts a video :)

[@michaelsmith697]

Excellent video Simon! Your tips are easy to follow and understandable. Very interesting tip about the full frame and crop sensors!

[@CanvasOfGod]

I loved the visual diagrams you provided! Really helpful in understanding what is happening physically!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

I've said it before and I'll say it again; I sure wish I had your channel when I first starting getting into photography.

[@ciphermatrix]

Best tutor on youtube easily.

[@tedbrown7908]

Thanks Simon, That explains a lot on blurry backgrounds. I often don't like blurry backgrounds but if I can get them very soft and smooth then I would.

[@DAVE_WHITE]

Another very well no BS explained video!!

[@CreativeIsolation]

I always learn something new with your videos, Simon. Even if I already have a decent handle on things, you cover topics so thoroughly I’m sure to learn something new. And you do it concisely! Best in the biz!

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@picturetaker607]

Simon, this is the best explanation of bacground focus I have ever seen. Wish I had seen it yesterday as I was trying to photograph two kittens playing. Trying to keep the cats in focus and blur the background proved difficult.

[@Charlie_YS]

Clear and punctual, excellent video. thanks Simon 👏👏

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@drdyna]

DOF Simulator is such a cool tool that should be in every budding photographer's kit.

[@NetTubeUser]

Fantastic! I've learned something new today! I LOVE learning! Your video was perfect and really PRO! Everything was clear, simple, and easy to understand. Thank you very much, Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jerrye1001]

Perfect!! The very best video on DOF that I ever saw.. I will subscribe. Also, you speak so clearly and explain so well. Keep up the great work.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you! Will do!

[@gruncletim]

Great video, and awesome explanation. As a visual learner, the visual representation of focal length made everything so much easier for me to comprehend.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PhilThach]

Great video, Simon! While I was already aware of everything you went over in this video, I still enjoyed the clear and meticulous way you went over the material. Bravo!

[@raygiemza3690]

Simply excellent video, Simon. Your lucid explanations coupled with the graphic illustrations bring an understanding of the subject matter into clear focus (I just couldn't resist). I look forward to your videos regardless of how much I may already know about the content. My sincere thanks for the expertise and presentation style that you're willing to share.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

Simon your explanations are so darned good. Easy to understand and to the point.

[@PawPawMountain]

Great Presentation Simon, very clear and understandable! Thanks for you outstanding work!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ankushsen8298]

Thank you Sir 🛐 You are great Teacher 🙇🏻 ❤ from 🇮🇳

[@alivtehrani]

Hi Simon, Just dropped by to say thank you for all your efforts. You’re so good in elaborating topics and making them easy to digest. Many folks have photography channels here on KZbin, but not so many are as adequate as you are. Much respect and gratitude 🙏🏻

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@Dave_E7]

Thanks Simon for all the simple but great info. I have started shooting portraits with long lenses especially for this bokeh effect. It sounds a bit crazy but i shoot with M4/3 camera and a 200mm f2.8 which is equivalent to 400mm FF. The backround just melts away. And yes, its outdoor portraiture. Indoor i use the 85mm equivalent and if possible the 150mm equivalent lens.

[@dirkpitt3241]

Simon, you are truly awesome! Thank you so much for what you give to the photographic community.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@heathercarter9741]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge in this video. I've just picked up my camera for the first time after a long long break and am trying to find my bearings again. This is such a great explanation and I'm going to check out more of your videos now.

[@mobbinator]

Your explanations are always so clear and concise. Thank you so much for this! I'm going to implement all your tips here

[@simon_dentremont]

You're so welcome!

[@RPCapucho]

Greetings from Portugal. You are the best. Saw your videos and some of them multiple time. Very very informative and well explained. I can see that there is a lot of thought involved. And also I saw a big evolution over time from your beginning and always with the same humbling experience teaching on a simple manner. Thanks

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome, thank you!

[@WickedBarberoYT]

I came across this video and watched it all day. I had to subscribe to your channel! Your content is amazing and so imformative, thank you 🙏🤗

[@ricoflores428]

You are a hidden gem Simon, your channel deserves more subscribers. Thanks for the time and effort that you put into your video. Amazing how it’s so comprehensive yet just below 15 minutes.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks

[@GordonFRegan]

Another great video Simon, and I can't believe that anyone would not not find this video deserving. You are the best at keeping things in focus and blurry at the same time.

[@asmaisgatas100]

Brilliant and straight to the point. Bravo 👏🏼

[@vipul8859]

Thanks for the tutorial. The pictorial explanation was directly from the physics classroom. And who doesn’t like a diagram to explain concepts. Thanks a ton. I know that time is a constraint in these videos but pacing it a bit would definitely help. Subscribed and liked!!! Keep up the good work!!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edwtg59]

Another parfait! video! I appreciate your careful and succinct approach to teaching and explaining photography, it’s among the very best I’ve seen. And on top of that, your wildlife photo’s with elements of action are awesome!!!

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@nonexman]

Ha! I knew most of this stuff, but now I understand it. Thanks Simon.

[@TheStrade]

Watching it now. Thanks, will go out to experiment.

[@tonyweert3294]

wow!! this is like the 2nd..3rd...4th time you've broken some kind of myth on camera control. You're bonus tip was great!! I own both full frame and crop sensor cameras and couldn't agree more. Thanx again for another great video!

[@jldam6515]

Simon, the reason for the larger sensors to produce smaller depths of field is explained by difraction (circle of confusion). If 2 cameras with different sensor sizes and equivalent lenses (in terms of angle of view) are compared shooting at the same f stop, the larger lens will have smaller depth of field, because of the larger physical diameter of the aperture at the given f-stop (difraction/circle of confusion).

[@simon_dentremont]

Yes, if you change the lens.

[@manuelbcmj]

Simon, have you done an autobiography video about how you got into photography, who taught you, etc, to where you are now as a professional wildlife photographer?

[@simon_dentremont]

not yet!

[@danham3344]

This is fantastic info for me as a beginner! Thanks so much. Really appreciate all your content and the work you put into it.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kadetvonline.]

Wow lovely!

[@christopherziemacki4412]

Another great video in which you clearly pass knowledge. Thank you ❤

[@r2hildur]

And this is when F.4 becomes very useful and why I'm hesitant to let the F4 go for a more affordable lens, like a zoom with lets say f6.3 or a f7.1. I like the very thin depth of field of the F4. I could get similar results with a narrower opening but it's a lot more hassle.

[@kevinbull6597]

A great refresher on Bokeh and blurry backgrounds. As always, thanks for taking the time...