We use a limited depth of field for a few reasons. One is that even at f/8 on a decently long lens with a large sensor it’s still going to happen, and you’re no

We use a limited depth of field for a few reasons. One is that even at f/8 on a decently long lens with a large sensor it’s still going to happen, and you’re not going to be at f/8 in a dimly lit environment. The main reason is to draw your eye to the subject instead of the background. It’s also how our eyes work. The third (related) reason is that the background often isn’t super controllable. If I’m taking portraits of someone in the woods I don’t want branches “coming out” of their heads, and those branches being blurry helps with that. At weddings if I’m photographing candids of a group of people blurring out everyone but the subject(s) is handy because people often make stupid faces. And don’t get me started on how messy bridal suites are where the girls are getting ready…