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For an example of long depth of field, I found Arbus’ Two ladies walking in Central Park, N.Y.C. This photo specifically really stood out to me as a good example because of exactly how much is included in the photograph. The two ladies are our clear subject as they’re perfectly clear and centered in the shot but the depth of field is able to show us exactly where they are and the scale of really how big Central Park is. The composition of the shot is much stronger when we can see the entirety of their surroundings and how empty the park is, versus if the shot were closer to the ladies with a short depth of field. I think the decision to have a long depth of field also could possibly hint towards to importance of our subject, meaning we are to look at their surroundings and Central Park as an element of the photo and not solely the women whomever they are. I also really enjoy the left side of the photo where we see the only bench all along the path. I am not sure of the significance or if there truly is one but I think it just adds some visual interest that otherwise may be unclear.
I thought for my short depth of field example I could continue with the Central Park theme. Here we see a woman carrying a child as explained by the title, in Central Park. The short depth of field is what makes this photo more interesting. We see figures blurred behind the woman and her child suggesting all the more important the woman and her child are. The reason for her carrying the kid are unclear. Maybe the child is just tired after playing in the park all day, or perhaps this is a temper tantrum and he will only leave if he’s carried, or maybe he’s just fallen asleep and she is taking him home. Regardless, the short depth of field creates much more mystery around the circumstances and draws our attention immediately to the duo. I also do like how on the right side of the image we can see another person walking in the park, without them it may be completely unclear to understand that they’re in a public place, the left side shows they’re on a path. Those factors combined with the title are what allow us to be confident in their location.
The focus in your long depth of field sample, “Two ladies walking…” is fairly soft. The angle of view is wider and the subject is more distant from the camera than the “Woman carrying a child…” example so there is more depth. Good description of mood in both shots.