How Can I Achieve This Camera Focus Effect?

Question

I'm not sure if you know what I'm talking about, but in some movies/TV shows, there is a certain camera lens effect where a character is focused on in the foreground and the background seems to become somewhat "warped". I'm not sure if it is a focus effect, but it looks like objects in the distance are being pushed further away from the camera, and objects near-by and being pulled closer.

I need to find out how this is done on an actual camera and what it is called in order to mimic it in 3DS Max.

Answer 1

This is done with video cameras (and motion film cameras) by either zooming in on the subject while dollying away, or vice versa: zooming out while dollying in closer to the subject, depending on what effect you're looking for. It takes a lot of practice to do it at just the right speed so that the subject's relative size doesn't change.

Answer 2

Using selective depth of field is easier when using cameras with sensors that are over 15 times larger than your 100 HS. That means that you probably are not going to get the kind of shallow depth of field you are asking about without some serious work on your part and being able to fool the camera into using wide open apertures with the zoom at its fullest reach. There is a program that is an add-on to Photoshop CS5, Extended called Lens Effects which costs about $80. If you do not already have Photoshop CS5, that will cost you another $1,000 unless you are a student. You can buy Photoshop CS5 in the student store for under $200

Answer 3

I think what you are describing is what's called "selective focus." This is where the subject in the foreground is sharply in focus, but the background is softened or blurred out. They do use this technique in magazines and movies a lot, and the reason is to draw more attention to the subject in the foreground.



You would use this technique to blur out a background in a picture that might be too distracting. Let's say you are taking a photo of an insect in a field of wildflowers, or if you want to focus on one flower in the foreground. You would want to blur out the background of the picture because otherwise it would be too distracting.



It also adds a three-dimensional feel to pictures. You would achieve this effect by using a shallow depth of field.



Really, the best way to do this is with your camera. You need a camera that has manual aperture, shutter speed, and focus settings. You would use a wide aperture setting, like maybe f-5.6, which would give a shallow depth of field. Subjects near the camera would be sharp, but the background will be soft and out of focus. But you will also have to compensate with a faster shutter speed in order to get the right exposure...otherwise the picture will be overexposed.



You need either a manual film camera, or a digital camera that has real shutter speed and aperture settings. Unfortunately, most point and shoot digital cameras don't give you that much control and you can't change the aperture setting. It's an optical effect...you have to use a real aperture setting.



You might be able to do this with an image editing program, but it won't look quite as good as getting it with your camera with a true shallow depth of field. Try looking in your editing options and see if there is anything that mimics a shallow depth of field. But really, it's just going to give the "illusion" of selective focus...the best way to do it properly is with the camera.



Is this the effect you were looking for? I took this in April, with a manual film camera. This was with Kodak Gold 200 film. I set the aperture to f-5.6, and the shutter speed to 1/300. Notice how the branch with the greed buds is shaprly in focus, but the background is blurred out.



http://www.geocities.com/gatewaycityca/first_spring_april_16_2008_small.jpg



EDIT: Okay, it looks like I misunderstood your question. Sorry about that. I think DCReed is right, that it probably is an effect from panning the camera while zooming. It might be related to zoom blur, which is another photographic and movie technique. Try looking that up on google.

Answer 4

Check here a good photography course online:

http://photography-course.info



You can be like the masses of humanity and buy a camera you can afford that has auto this and that for worry free picture taking. And learn through trial and error how to use something like aperture or shutter priority auto modes or even attempt to use the thing on full manual mode.

You seem to know already there is some thinking to using a camera and to take pictures. A good place to start is by reading the owners manual that comes with a camera. Read the information and look at the illustrations with part names and look at the real camera. Handle the camera and take pictures. Let me rephrase that. Take pictures to learn how to use the camera and maybe even to keep some. Don't start with important stuff you cannot photograph over again such as birthdays, a toddlers first steps. That puts picture taking out of the learning phase and puts the pressure and emphasis to taking pictures for real and to keep.

These first pictures are for you to learn how to use your camera. And you have learned how to use your camera when you can take pictures with it and can teach others how to use it. Honest. You can also go to a college in your area and take a beginning photography course. There you will be taught the basics even a pro must learn and do in their work. Camera handling and use, taking exposures with film and/or digital cameras, and maybe even some photo assignments to get some real time learning. In this learning do not take serious pictures you must keep as that detracts from the learning aspect of the class. Do so only if you have mastered the use of your camera before class is over.

It's like growing up in a way. And I am happy you know there is a way to learn how to use a camera and take pictures. It's like learning how to drive I suppose. Someone can teach you or you can get taught at a driving school. Both will get you a drivers liscense. One though will really teach you the fundamentals you can use for the rest of your driving career.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

It's called a contra-zoom. You dolly the camera backward, while zooming in, which changes the perspective of the shot and flattens the background.