bokeh.
‘bokeh‘ is something i have been trying to achieve. The blurry, un-focused background of a photograph due to lens blur from close focusing is called by the Japanese as ‘bokeh‘. i just adore this bokeh shot from kennymatic. i love that really in-focus bit of the photograph, and then all that yummy shallow depth of field…the blur! i just wanted to share this cool picture. it’s one of the things i’m working on in my photo class at rayko, which i love! i hope to share one of my own like this someday soon!
lovely photo; I would love to learn more technically with the camera; it’s on my list. So happy for you taking a class—can’t wait to see your bokeh
your work is inspiring and has a happy tone as well.
Definitely a cool picture!I didnt know there was a term for that.
I love your new blog home, Victoria!
If you’re using an SLR, you can play with the depth of field (DoF) to get out of focus back and/or foregrounds in your images. If you use a wide aperture, such as f/2.8, you will have a very shallow DoF. If you use a small aperture, such as f/22, you will have a very sharp image overall.
some online explanations I found with a quick Google search:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Depthoffield-explained-4631
I don’t have much experience with a DSLR, but my film SLR had a preview button you could push to get the aperture to close down to your setting so you could see how the DoF would be in the actual shot. I think the DSLRs have a similar function, which is really useful.
Have fun experimenting!
I really like your new ‘look’. And I’m excited for you that you’re learning more about photography! I just wrote about my own history with that.
I’m learning photography too (beginner beginner!), and really enjoying your photographs!! How are you liking the classes at Rayko?
this is an awesome bit of info gemmifer – thank you!! we’re learning this right now in class.
lilah – rayko is great – i love my class! only ten people, so you get a lot of one on one instruction!
Just popped by to see the new site. Fabulous!
I’m so glad you mentioned this – people are always talking about bokeh and – I (secretly) didn’t really know what it was until now!
I am a fellow bokeh addict! I’m currently playing around with a Russian manual focus lens (a Tair-11) which has amazing bokeh due to its 20 aperture blades (the number of blades has a big effect on the quality of bokeh). If you’re interested in this effect you should definitely check out some of these old lenses – they work on modern DSLRs with an adapter.
Beautiful photo! I love that look, too. :)
this by one of my friend’s father is where i learned about bokeh. he’s super talented!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneeighteen/3406225182/in/set-72157614435202531/
anne
p.s. he has more great portraits with the same effect :)
thanks martin – appreciate the tips!
anne – thanks for the link – i’m loving all the inspiration!
i’ve just started a photography workshop, too. this f-stop/bokeh thingie is one of my assignments. struggling!
Thanks for letting me know about the Rayko class! I’ve been looking for a good local class!
OK, you got me on a bokeh kick… I just wanted to share this beauty I found on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vincentyeh/3637178480/in/pool-bokeh_/
oooh nice one! thanks lilah, and i hope you try out rayko!
The distance to your subject will also affect the amount of bokeh (in addition to how small/larger your aperture is). The closer you are to your subject, the more likely you’ll be able to achieve more bokeh. Keep in mind that bokeh works both ways, so you can have stuff in the background AND the foreground that is blurry. Hope you have fun. And glad you enjoyed my image. :)
thanks so much kennymatic. your shot is amazing!
Beautiful.
I am working with that also but on my own,this is a really nice one.