Shortdepth

Shortdepth is a term used in photography and cinematography to describe a shallow depth of field, in which a narrow plane of the image remains in sharp focus while elements in front of and behind appear blurred. The effect emphasizes the subject by reducing background distraction and is often considered both an artistic tool and a technical characteristic of a shot.

Shortdepth is achieved by using wide apertures (low f-numbers), longer focal lengths, and close subject distance relative to the lens. The degree of shallow focus is influenced by sensor size, lens design, cadence of focus, and the distance to the subject; larger sensors and longer focal lengths tend to produce more pronounced shortdepth. In practice, photographers balance exposure, focus accuracy, and the desired amount of background blur to control the effect.

Applications of shortdepth include portraiture, macro photography, product shots, and cinematic scenes where isolating a subject is desirable. However, a very shallow depth of field can complicate focusing and reduce overall scene sharpness, and extreme apertures can introduce diffraction softness or require more precise focus.

Terminology around shortdepth is informal; it is not universally standardized in technical literature. The term commonly appears in hobbyist discussions and instructional contexts as a convenient label for the aesthetic and optical phenomenon of shallow depth of field.

See also: depth of field, bokeh, circle of confusion, focal length, aperture.