🎬 What Filmmakers GET WRONG About Depth of Field (And How to Fix It)

Let’s be honest—how many times have you cranked your lens to f/1.8 thinking, “Yep, this is cinematic.”

We’ve all done it. That creamy, blurry background looks so good it almost feels like cheating. It’s easy to assume that shallow depth of field is the secret sauce to making your videos look like Hollywood.

But here’s the truth: that blurry background might be holding you back.

If you’ve been using shallow depth of field on every shoot, chances are you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools in your cinematography toolbox—and you’re not alone.

As a full-time commercial filmmaker, I made this exact mistake early in my career. And in this blog, I want to break down what depth of field really is, how filmmakers actually use it, and how you can start using it intentionally to level up your storytelling.

What Is Depth of Field, Really?

Before we dive into the creative part, let’s get clear on the basics.

Depth of field refers to how much of your image is in focus. Simple enough, right?

• A deep depth of field means that everything—from foreground to background—is sharp and clear.

• A shallow depth of field means only a small slice of your image is in focus, while everything else blurs beautifully.

What controls it? Your aperture.

• Lower f-stops (like f/1.8) = shallower depth of field.

• Higher f-stops (like f/8) = deeper depth of field.

Also: the wider your aperture (smaller f-number), the more light you let in. So shooting wide open gives you that creamy bokeh and a brighter image. But it comes at a cost…

The Trap Most Filmmakers Fall Into

When I got my first 50mm f/1.8 lens, I shot everything wide open.

And I mean everything.

Why? Because that background blur looked dope—and it felt like I was finally making “cinematic” videos.

But here’s what I didn’t realize back then:
I was using depth of field as a crutch, not a creative choice.

Every shot started to look the same. I wasn’t thinking about the why behind it. I wasn’t using it to direct attention or add story layers—I was just using it because I could.

And that’s where a lot of filmmakers get stuck.

How Real Filmmakers Use Depth of Field

Let’s take a look at how masters use depth of field to enhance story, not just visuals.

🎬 Deep Depth of Field — Example: Citizen Kane

In one iconic shot, we see:

• A character in the foreground having a conversation,

• Another character in the middle ground observing,

• And a child playing in the distant background.

Everything is in focus.
Why? Because every element adds story.

If the director had used shallow depth of field, he’d be forced to choose just one element to focus on—and the audience would miss the rest. Instead, the deep focus lets us absorb multiple storylines in one frame.

This adds depth not just to the image, but to the narrative.

🎬 Shallow Depth of Field — Example: The Host

In a tense hospital escape scene:

• A character is trying to flee.

• A nurse spots them mid-run.

• The focus shifts quickly between the two (rack focus).

Here, shallow depth of field controls our eyes.

The director isn’t inviting you to explore the frame—he’s saying, “Look right here. Now look here.”
And that tight control heightens the tension.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

Depth of field isn’t about making things look pretty—it’s about making things feel intentional.

Once you understand this, you can start using aperture on purpose:

✅ Need your audience to explore the environment? Use deep focus.
✅ Want them locked into one emotion or moment? Go shallow.
✅ Want to shift their attention in real time? Use a rack focus.

When you break out of the “f/1.8 = cinematic” mindset, you start making decisions like a director—not just a shooter.

Actionable Steps for Your Next Shoot

1. Watch a few scenes from your favorite films.
   Notice when they use shallow vs. deep focus. What’s the emotional effect? What’s the storytelling goal?

2. Plan your aperture intentionally.
   Don’t just slap on f/2.8 because it looks nice. Ask: What do I want my audience to focus on? What do I want them to feel?

3. Try a deep focus shot.
   Challenge yourself to shoot a scene at f/8. Think about layering action across the frame, and let your audience explore.

4. Use rack focus to guide attention.
   This is a killer way to move the story forward—especially in high-stakes or emotional moments.

5. Experiment.
   Next time you're shooting b-roll or client content, mix up your apertures and see what adds nuance to your visuals.

Final Thoughts

Look—I get it. That shallow depth of field looks sexy.
But cinematography isn’t just about looks. It’s about control, intention, and storytelling.

So the next time you reach for that f/1.8 shot, stop and ask yourself:

Is this serving the story—or just the aesthetic?

Your visuals will thank you.

👋 I’m Bruno Pozo, a full-time commercial filmmaker based in Bend, Oregon.
I create weekly tutorials on filmmaking, gear, and how to make money with your camera.

And if you’re looking to grow your filmmaking skills (or your income), make sure to subscribe. 🎥