Too much bokeh?

Midknightc3 · February 15, 2013

This was shot at f4 and 80mm. Thinking maybe f8 would have been better? I want the scope out of focus, but I think it's a little too much so...

Another version, but I like the first one better.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks!
Clark

ziggy53 · February 15, 2013

It depends upon your intent and your "vision" for the piece. I suggest that yes, I would want the 'scope and the shooter to be in focus, with the background out-of-focus. A very good way to accomplish this in a single shot is to use a tilt-shift lens, or (better yet) a camera with complete tilt-shift movements for both the lens and the focal plane (as you have in a "view camera".)

Another way to accomplish this is using multiple exposure "slices" of different focus distances, and then using either special software "or" compositing the elements in post-processing in the manner which best suits your intentions.

To see an example of using the special software that's available for "focus stacking":

http://www.stevemackayphotography.com/section363141_130929.html

... and this example just for your image:

http://www.heliconsoft.com/images/animation/rifle/index.html

Bryce Wilson · February 16, 2013

Personally, and this is just me and my tastes, I'd go for either none (everything in focus) or nothing in focus but his face.

As they currently stand, what bothers me more than the "bokeh" is the phallic type shadow on his face in number 1.

puzzledpaul · February 17, 2013

Bryce Wilson wrote: »

... or nothing in focus but his face.

... or even just his 'scope eye.

ie angle / pose / pov of 2, but filling the frame as 1, lose the glasses + shoot wide open.

... but, as ziggy says, it obviously depends on what you're after ...

pp

Hackbone · February 17, 2013

Optically confusing photos. At the same time too much bokeh and not enough in areas. The shadow catches your eye as well as the sky as well as the bokeh on the gloved hands. Do like the shoot thru scope mounts!!

Too much bokeh?

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