Depth-of-Field and Basic Photography

One of my favorite things about photography is that you can be as creative or artistic as you like! One of the first things I mastered in my photographic journey was depth-of-field. I learned how to use this simple, but often confusing, feature during a 2-day outdoor photography class at Boise State University. While our subjects at that time were flowers, running water, and bugs/butterflies, it can be used in portrait photography as well!

What is depth-of-field? DoF refers to the focus of a photograph, and how much of the image is in focus. I could get really technical to describe it to you, but this isn't the time for that. Just so you know what I mean though, here's one of my favorite recent images from this wedding, using a shallow depth-of-field:

See how only the bouquet is in focus, and the background is blurred? That's a shallow DoP. Pretty cool, huh?

So, is anyone out there interested in learning more? I'm toying around with a few ideas, and I need some feedback to know which direction to go. I'd like this blog to become more than just a showcase of my photo sessions. I've considered doing a series of tutorials teaching the basics of photography. I've also considered starting to offer classes (actual classes that would be held in person, on location) to teach you how to use your own digital camera, be it a fancy SLR or a simple point-and-shoot. And, I've also considered offering in-home consultations to help you learn how to make the most of your camera, especially when taking photos of family and special events, such as birthday parties.

But...I need to know which of these ideas catches your interest, if any. Below you'll find a poll...please take just a moment to answer the poll, and help me decide which direction to go! Also, this isn't limited to my friends and family (who are almost exclusively the only readers of this blog, thus far ;). I'd really love for this little survey to cover a broad base. If you know anyone, anyone at all, who might be interested in any of these ideas, please share it with them! In fact, if you share a link to this post on Facebook...I just might love you forever. :-)

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