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Most SLR (Single Lens Reflex) digital cameras have a DOF preview button for you to view before exposuing your sensor to the image you are capturing. The DOF is the zone of acceptable focus in front and behind the subject you are photogaraphing. By pressing the DOF preview button you can confirm the DOF through the viewfinder. When focusing you should always consider DOF. Remember DOF varies according to shooting distance, focal length and especially aperature. Smaller aperatures (larger f-stops numbers) produce a deeper depth of field where background and foreground become sharper. However you need a bright field or you will produce darker images or you need longer exposures. Larger aperatures (smaller f-stop numbers) produce a shallower DOF where the background bcomes blurred.

Similarly, shorter shooting distances or longer focal length produce a shallower DOF and longer shooting distances or shorter focal length produce a deeper DOF. DOF tnds to be shallower in front of your subject in focus and deeper behind the subject. If you pay attention to DOF your photography will vastly improve. Just something to consider!!!