Plan Shot and Select Settings
30 minutesDetermine subject distance, desired depth of field, and lighting conditions to select initial camera settings.
Field context
This workflow is part of 7 niche fields
Photography shoot planning guide with exposure triangle calculations, depth of field estimates, lighting ratios, gear checklists, and location scouting.
Determine subject distance, desired depth of field, and lighting conditions to select initial camera settings.
Use the exposure calculator to balance aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for proper exposure.
Calculate depth of field for your focal length, aperture, and subject distance to achieve desired background blur.
For landscape shots, calculate hyperfocal distance to maximize sharpness from foreground to infinity.
Execute the shoot with calculated settings, review histograms on-site, and adjust exposure as conditions change.
Preview depth of field before selecting aperture and focal length. · Calculate near and far focus limits for desired blur effect. · Verify DoF when changing focal length or moving closer to subject.
Balance aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for correct exposure. · Adjust exposure as lighting conditions change during shoot.
Determine focus distance for maximum depth of field in landscapes. · Set focus point for landscape shots with near foreground elements.
How each setting affects exposure and creative effect.
| Setting | Controls | Side Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture (f-stop) | Light amount + DoF | Wider = more blur |
| Shutter Speed | Motion freeze/blur | Slower = motion blur |
| ISO | Sensor sensitivity | Higher = more noise |
In portraits, the nearest eye must be in focus. At f/1.4 with an 85 mm lens, you have millimeters of focus tolerance.
Shoot 30–60 minutes after sunrise or before sunset for warm, directional light that flatters every subject.
Separating focus from shutter release prevents refocusing when recomposing — essential for portrait and wildlife work.
Never change lenses in dusty or windy conditions without shielding the camera body. Sensor cleaning costs $100–200 professionally.