Take a series of photographs on your own camera.

1. Compare Portrait and Auto modes

   Each time, take the first photograph in Auto mode and then the next in Portrait Mode.

   Can you see the difference?

   Portrait mode photographs will have a slightly blurry background.

    

2. Examining differences in Portrait mode as the distance changes

   Take several photographs in Portrait mode with the subject 1m, 3m and 7m away from you.

   Examine how the depth of field changes as you move closer or further from your subject.

   You should notice that the closer you are to your subject, the more the background is blurred.

    

   Take several photographs with your subject 1m, 3m and 7m away from the background.

   Examine how the focus of the background changes as you move your subject closer to or further from the background.

   The further away the background is from the subject, the more out of focus it is.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

Use portrait mode and take photographs of people, pets, statues and flowers.

Notice how the subject is emphasized when the background is blurry.