Depending on who's advice you read, or who you talk to, depth of field in photography is considered a key - typically the more of it the better. But for me, especially when shooting people and their 'things', I like the lack of it.

Typically I like to use a shallow DOF to draw attention to my subject as an exaggeration of our perception with the eye. I find it's a nice way to frame my subject particularly when there is a lack of assistance in the surroundings.

In this picture I was just playing with DOF and the subjects natural contrasts and shapes and lines. I am undecided as to if it has worked but at minimum i think it is an interesting perspective to explore when shooting 'things'.

It was a shame that it was an overcast day eliminating opportunity for getting highlights off the chrome and greater contrast for the blacks and reds. I also wished that the tyre tread pattern was a little more interesting to add a little punch to the shot.

This image is straight from the camera - no manipulations. I know I could have PS'd it to get a higher contrast and better saturation in the blacks and reds but I didn't see the point as this photo's going nowhere but here.

Nov 2005
Canon EOS 350D
Lens: EF 1.8/50
Aperture-Priority AE; exposure compensation 0, ISO 100
f1.8, 1/640th

This image was taken from a section of a decomissioned steam train in a children's park. I really liked the texture and the colour. I found the painted over bolt and rust, the imperfections in the paint job, and the bright red colour itself analogous to how time and life works in the world.

This image is straight from the camera - no manipulations.

Dec 2005
Canon EOS 350D
Lens: EF 2/100
Aperture-Priority AE; exposure compensation +1/2, ISO 400
f3.5, 1/250th

PS -I know this image goes against my listed 'favoured subject' but I do have other interests - I just couldn't fit them into the 500 character limit for the description.