What do you think of these for Bokeh?

01/03/2005 12:52:08 AM · #1

Okay, these were shot at weddings last week, so they don't qualify. And I don't have any weddings this week, so I can't shoot anything similar. But see what you think of these...

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

01/03/2005 01:01:43 AM · #2

I just looked in on the "Bokeh - Duh" thread... for what it's worth, I think mine better fit the challenge than the samples posted thus far.

The samples I'm seeing are simply blurring the background. Sure ... a blurred background allows you to focus on the subject. But how about a little more emphasis on the challenge which states "take a photograph whose subject is enhanced by the bokeh of the background".

To me, that meant the background needs to add meaning to the photo. Simply bluring the background doesn't do that... but in the pictures I posted the blurred background gives meaning to an otherwise boring foreground.

Just my 2 cents for the challenge...

Message edited by author 2005-01-03 01:02:33.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

01/03/2005 01:03:21 AM · #3

I think #2 is a good example. IMO

Judith Polakoff

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

01/03/2005 01:04:23 AM · #4

Yes, #2 is a good example, and I agree with your interpretation of the challenge.

LevT

OM System OM-1

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

01/03/2005 01:05:52 AM · #5

I agree with you. I think, ideally, bokeh should provide juxtaposition to the foreground to form a "multi-voice composition" (if I can borrow a musical term here)
--Lev

LevT

OM System OM-1

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

01/03/2005 01:07:28 AM · #6

I actually like #3 most, the group in the background really tells the story.

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/03/2005 01:08:28 AM · #7

I think #3 fits best in this challenge. The second has a OOF background but no real bokeh character.

HRoxas

Canon EOS-5D

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

01/03/2005 01:10:45 AM · #8

How are these bokeh? Interesting or not?

librodo

Nikon D3s

01/03/2005 01:14:47 AM · #9

I agree with the interpretation of the challenge below. Yes, all the pictures have enhanced quality because of the shallow DOF. The are actually good pictures...without reference to the challenge of "bokeh".

I have one of my personal favorites in my portfolio that I feel represents the challenge as well. It did quite below my expectation in the challenge (because of not meeting the theme) but i believe it is one of my best shots ever. This was taken in Luang Prabang, Laos.

BikeRacer

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/03/2005 01:17:29 AM · #10

Don't want to cross-post my thumb here, but do you think my shot in the other thread is a good example for the challenge, or just a shallow DoF shot.

Thanks,
Ara

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

01/03/2005 01:18:34 AM · #11

Originally posted by bruchen:

How are these bokeh? Interesting or not?

I like your shot... I think yours does a better job of illustrating what *I* always thought bokeh meant. To me, bokeh was how the out of focus points of light would be shaped by the lens. You can see that in your photo whereas mine simply blur the background. (without points of light it's difficult to see the patterns that the lens puts into your photo without you knowing it)

You'll see even more of this if you stop way down ... such as f/22. On some images you see a beautiful star pattern to the points of light in the image. And that's what I thought bokeh meant.

Maybe I was wrong... anyone else want to chime in?

LevT

OM System OM-1

01/03/2005 01:24:06 AM · #12

Here is an example of bokeh (almost) without any foreground

01/03/2005 01:24:23 AM · #13

Originally posted by librodo:

I have one of my personal favorites in my portfolio that I feel represents the challenge as well. It did quite below my expectation in the challenge (because of not meeting the theme) but i believe it is one of my best shots ever. This was taken in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Wow, I love that shot! It went straight to my favorites... :-)

I dunno, maybe you were right about it not fitting the theme of challenge (it was entered in) so well, but the image itself is outstanding.

Message edited by author 2005-01-03 01:29:40.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/03/2005 01:27:56 AM · #14

Originally posted by BikeRacer:

Don't want to cross-post my thumb here, but do you think my shot in the other thread is a good example for the challenge, or just a shallow DoF shot.

Okay, I'll do it. :-)

For me, your image works well. If it was just the toothbrush, it would have less meaning. The blurred background adds to the meaning of the photo.

BikeRacer

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

01/03/2005 01:32:35 AM · #15

Originally posted by dwterry:

Originally posted by BikeRacer:
Don't want to cross-post my thumb here, but do you think my shot in the other thread is a good example for the challenge, or just a shallow DoF shot.

Okay, I'll do it. :-)

For me, your image works well. If it was just the toothbrush, it would have less meaning. The blurred background adds to the meaning of the photo.

thanks - i was trying for a dual meaning there. something like the background being soft and "dirty" with the brush being all crisp and "clean" - but enough thread-jacking. :)

I like your second image best also. I think the softness helps compliment the feelings the bride and groom would like to remember (even if the day itself is just a blur) (pun intended)

2nd edit - not used to GFs laptop and hitting its touchpad while typing...

Message edited by author 2005-01-03 01:37:57.

HRoxas

Canon EOS-5D

01/03/2005 01:33:36 AM · #16

Originally posted by dwterry:

Thanks David...

Some useful info on bokeh from this site that I googled.