From f/2.8 to f/13: Exploring Aperture in Depth. Food photography
From F/2.8 to F/13: How Aperture Shapes Blueberry Images
Take a look at the photo series, where each shot was taken with a different aperture: notice how much or how little comes into focus depending on the camera settings. A low f-number (wide aperture) results in large portions of the image being out of focus. But as we increase the f-number, the lens aperture narrows, bringing more elements into focus.
The series of blueberry images shown here provide a clear illustration of how changing the aperture impacts the depth of field in a photograph. Each image was taken using a Canon 100mm Macro lens, but with different aperture settings—ranging from f/2.8 to f/13 Let’s break down what this means for the final image and how it affects both the technical and artistic aspects of food photography.
Depth of field (DOF) refers to the range of distance that appears acceptably sharp in an image. A shallow depth of field results in only a small portion of the photo being in focus, while a large depth of field ensures that more of the scene is sharp from front to back.
The aperture, which controls the size of the lens opening, is a key factor in determining the depth of field. A low f-number (wide aperture) like f/2.8 creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and focusing on a small portion of the subject. On the other hand, a higher f-number (narrow aperture) such as f/13.increases the depth of field, making more of the image appear in focus.

Image Analysis by Aperture Setting
f/2.8 (Shallow Depth of Field)
The first image, taken at f/2.8, has a very shallow depth of field. Notice how only a small section of the blueberries on the spoon is in focus. The rest of the blueberries, as well as the background, appear soft and blurred. This effect is often used to isolate the subject and create a dreamy or artistic feel, particularly in food photography. However, with such a narrow depth of field, fine details are lost in the blurred areas.

f/5.6 (Moderate Depth of Field)
In the second image, taken at f/5.6, a larger portion of the blueberries is in focus compared to the first image. While the background is still blurred, there is more clarity in the main subject, striking a balance between highlighting the primary focal point and keeping some depth in the scene. This aperture is ideal when you want to retain some background blur while making more of the subject sharp.

f/8. (Increased Depth of Field)
At f/8.0, the depth of field increases further. The majority of the blueberries in the frame are now in sharp focus, with only a subtle background blur. This aperture is well-suited for food photography when you want to emphasize the texture and details of the subject without completely losing the background. It creates a more balanced and detailed image.

f/13. (Large Depth of Field)
The last image, taken at f/13, shows a large depth of field. Nearly all of the blueberries, from the foreground to the background, are in focus. While the spoon and berries are sharp, the background becomes more defined as well, which can sometimes detract attention from the subject. This aperture is ideal for scenarios where you want everything in the frame to be crisp and clear, but in food photography, it may lead to a busier image if the background isn’t carefully controlled.

Conclusion:
Using shallow depth of field with varying intensity can be very useful when conveying a story through composition and food styling. Try placing the main subject in focus while “blurring” the other elements to create a particular mood.
There’s a pleasant softness in shallow depth of field that can be very effective, especially when shooting at the plate level or from a three-quarter angle above the dish. When shooting from above, however, there’s often little reason to maintain a low f-number unless you’re working in low light or have a specific creative reason for using shallow depth of field.
As demonstrated by this blueberry series, aperture plays a crucial role in food photography, particularly when it comes to controlling depth of field. A shallow depth of field (low f-number) can create beautiful, artistic blurring that draws attention to the subject. However, a higher f-number increases sharpness throughout the frame, providing more detail at the expense of background blur.
When choosing the right aperture, consider the overall mood you want to create. A wide aperture (f/2.8) works well for isolating a subject and achieving a soft, minimalistic look. Narrower apertures (f/8.0 or higher) are better for detailed, comprehensive shots where you want more of the scene in focus.
