using selective focus - narrow depth of field

Submitted by freedda

Question:

I have noticed in looking at contemplative and "miksang" images, that none (or almost none) of them make use of selective focus or a narrow depth of field. It seems to me that even with clear seeing, your mind and eyes will selectively focus on some things and leave others out of your field of perception (the work of Sally Mann and Keith Carter comes to mind here). I wonder then, is there a "rule" in creating contemplative images, that selective focus is not to be used? And if so, why?

Answer:

As you suggest, selective focus can be an excellent technique for forming the equivelant of perceptions, and one that we use. You don't see much narrow depth of field in photographs these days because the physics of digital camers with small sensors gives them almost unlimeted depth of field.

using selective focus - narrow depth of field

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