What is meant by 'depth of field' in photography?

The concept of 'depth of field' in photography refers specifically to the range of distance in a photograph that appears acceptably sharp. When a photograph is taken, not all elements in the scene will be in focus; instead, there is a certain distance range where the image maintains clarity. This depth of field can be influenced by various factors, including the aperture setting of the camera lens, the distance of the subject from the camera, and the focal length of the lens. A broader depth of field means more of the image is in focus, while a shallow depth of field isolates the subject from the background, creating an artistic effect.

In contrast to the correct definition, other options describe different aspects of photography. The height of the image pertains to the physical dimensions of the photograph, unrelated to focus or clarity. The speed of the camera shutter impacts motion and exposure but does not define how sharp the image appears over different distances. Lastly, brightness levels concern the exposure of the photograph rather than how much of the scene is in focus.