White on Blue

[Mike Buckley]

I needed just slightly more depth of field in the name. That's easy to see in the larger version, which isn't even the full-size version. Does it bother you in the small version that is automatically displayed here?

All other C&C also encouraged.

[Bobobird]

Looks cool. I would like to see the words really sharp and then gradually fade away but not sure how to achieve that.

[Mike Buckley]

I would like to see the words really sharp and then gradually fade away but not sure how to achieve that.

To achieve that look, I would have used a much smaller aperture (much greater depth of field). The image shown below is an example of something similar to what I believe you are describing. The first image was taken at f/2.8. The second one is at f/8.

[Bobobird]

Yes something like 2 though 1 looks much more "artsy".

I have seen similar effects on logo/product shots with emphasis more on the name/logo/brand then the product itself.

Good work overall. Something I will try when the weather goes bad.

[phugiay]

I want to practice more on depth of field but I have only one lens
Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX . Do you think I should get a better lens?

[Mike Buckley]

[the first one] looks much more "artsy".

I have seen similar effects on logo/product shots with emphasis more on the name/logo/brand then the product itself.

Interesting that you mention that. I made both images doing volunteer work for a client that explicitly asked me to get "artsy" shots that promote the brand name of their corporate sponsors.

[Mike Buckley]

I want to practice more on depth of field but I have only one lens
Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX . Do you think I should get a better lens?

Considering that it is a zoom lens, you only need that one lens to practice use of depth of field. The quality of the lens does not matter with regard to achieving the desired depth of field. The only exception to that is that other lenses which have larger apertures, some of which will be better quality and some will not, will allow you to get some shots that will not be possible using your zoom. But you can easily master the use of depth of field with this one lens.

Remember that there are three factors that impact depth of field: focal length, aperture, and distance between subject and camera. If you change any of those three factors, the depth of field will change. Read up about it, practice it, and you can master depth of field relatively easily.