Cheating the DOF

In lieu of using a genuine DSLR camera, I've been taking shots with my camera-phone. I've got a HTC One M8s which has the odd ability to take photos that include depth information via a "duo camera" set up. The benefit of this is that you can post-process depth of field (DOF) in the camera's own software.

I know it's probably not the done thing but the results from a tiny lens, tiny aperture, tiny sensor machine are pretty impressive to my eye.

A simple eye level, over shoulder, two shot. Focal point is the far character in both composition and focus. Light from the window is over exposed but the contrast with the subjects draws the eye from screen left to right maybe?

Another eye-level, two shot. Again, focus is on the far character. His eye line suggests that we look out towards the secondary character but the DOF defies this. A better tonal balance in this shot.

A very close up, eye-level profile shot. Strong tonal contrasts assist the perception of form and add a little drama at the expense of detail in the darker areas.

A low angle, mid shot. The focal point is assisted by the defocus effect on the foreground and background. The composition is not traditional but the darkness of the subject's clothes help to draw the eye to his face and hands.

I have run these through Photoshop for colour correction and cropping but the DOF is the product of the HTC's secondary depth sensor and software.

You can find a brief description of the technology in this video (and it is the least cheesy I could find!)

One of my friends with a beard did bring along a Canon Eos with a fixed 50mm lens which we took loads of photos with. If I can get hold of some digital copies, I'll post them here.