What happens to depth of field when you are closer to your subject?

When you are closer to your subject, the depth of field decreases. Depth of field refers to the range of distance within a photo that appears acceptably sharp. As you move closer to your subject, the amount of area in focus diminishes, resulting in a shallower depth of field. This occurs because the lens focuses light differently at varying distances, leading to less surrounding area being in sharp focus.

In photography, being closer to a subject typically emphasizes it, which is often desirable for portraits or detailed shots. However, this limitation in depth of field can challenge the photographer's ability to keep elements in the foreground and background in focus. Understanding this principle allows photographers to manipulate depth of field intentionally for creative effects or to ensure that key components of the composition are sharp.