Question of Focus

[P3D Julius and June Martin <julius-junem@xxxxxxxxxx>]

In the discussion about everything in a picture being in focus versus
the use of selective focus, part of the answer, of course, is artistic
intent.  On the other hand, the way the human eye works leads us to
expect that the images we see are in focus.  When we look at anything,
the area of immediate interest is in focus while everything surrounding
that area is not in focus.  As soon as we shift our attention to look
at a new area, that out-of-focus area comes into focus.  When we look
at a stereoview (or any picture well-composed), our eyes will move
about the image, focusing on each part as we come to it.  Finding an
area where we cannot focus, in a stereoview especially, may be
disconcerting or uncomfortable.  Therefore, I suspect that "everything
in focus" may be best for the majority of our shots.  However, I can
see (no pun) that there can be wonderful exceptions; a foggy scene or
a strongly backlighted shot, for example.

Julius


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