Depth of Field

I have received a few comments on DOF re: what is it?  and how should you comment on it in your critique. In your Dental Imaging Guide, there are questions which guide you through an understanding of the Depth of Field accompanied by references that will help you find your answers. 

I have attached a few links to resources that may help you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field

From the following article:

http://www.dentistry.co.uk/articles/articles_detail.php?id=396

"The macro lens you use should have a small aperture to maximise the depth of field. An aperture or f-stop of 32 is ideal for dental photography because many shots require a significant depth of field.

Depth of field: This is the ability of the areas in front of and behind the main subject to field remain in focus. Three things effect the depth of field: focal length of the lens, aperture and distance from the subject. A larger aperture (f-stop number) will render a shallower depth of field. A longer focal-length lens will also give a narrower depth of field. Finally, the closer the camera is to a subject the narrower the depth of field will be."

If you are panicking that you have not taken any valuable images and you dont want to inconvenience your patients any more, just take a moment to reflect on the aperture settings etc.. and take a few more on one of your colleagues so that you dont end up thinking you are "bad" at taking dental photos. It is important to build your confidence up. Grab a colleague who is confident at taking photos and have one more go at it.

Sophie