Thoughts on depth of field….
I recently had a conversation with another photographer who suggested that the ONLY way to make a portrait like this (headshot of a Puffin) was to stop down to f/22. As you can see from this image, f/8 rendered the face and bill sharp, while the rest of the image/bird is out of focus. The result here is the essential parts that are sharp, the face, eye and bill, pop as the result of the rest of the image being soft :) That said, I most certainly do stop down to f/22 to increase the depth of field while trying to get a portrait like this with the Puffin looking directly at me.
Join me August 10-13, 2022 for a Dream Lighthouse Island Deluxe Puffin Adventure. This is the very best of Puffin photography with beautifully restored lighthouse accommodations and gourmet food. We will be the island’s only occupants besides the hundreds of Atlantic Puffins that we can get close to. Learn More:
https://www.chrisdoddsphoto.com/deluxe-puffins-galore-workshop-photo-tour
“The four days and three nights on the I'ile aux Perroquets (Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop) will go down in my mind as one of those life experiences that will stay with me forever. That isle is a very special place. You did an incredible job. I was thinking about you on the trip back. What does it take to be a top-notch photographer as well as a gentlemanly guide, teacher, chaperone, and friend? You have a unique set of skills that somehow pull off the attributes necessary. Each and every one of us that left that island felt as though we had made a personal connection with you. That is no easy task. Must be a Canadian thing! Keep doing what you're doing. A very sincere "thank you" to you. This trip exceeded all expectations.”
— Paul Treseler Massachusetts | USA
Thanks, Paul. Pauls has been back every year since, and has signed up for two back-to-back workshops this year :)