Bokeh

[Eye-level]

I will argue that.

It's not the definition of bokeh that is in question. Honestly, I think I did a pretty good job of explaining it earlier. Just because something is out of focus doesn't mean it has bokeh...it just means that it's out of focus. Nothing more, nothing less.

I do agree that what is considered good/soft bokeh versus bad/harsh is subjective. I would say that in the examples you've posted, the first two are harsh and the third doesn't have any. But that's my opinion.

I would say your definition is pretty much spot on to the one I accept...that is to say OOF backgrounds are just that - OOF backgrounds...bokeh comes in with how points of light in the OOF background are rendered...but I may go as far to say as little OOF blobs of color in a background (such as in the last pic) dang sure mimic bokeh in a cool way if one can achieve such results plus after all the blobs that are flowers are just reflections of light right otherwise you wouldn't be able to see them? I definately agree with you on the harshness of the 135/2.8...it needs a few more blades...

 

[Browncoat]

On a personal note...

I don't understand all the bokeh hype. There are a lot of 'togs who obsess over getting good bokeh. In my mind, it's like chasing a unicorn because all the stars and planets have to be aligned in order to get it, and that's if you have a lens capable of producing it. It's more about the lens than anything else. To me, it looks like there's a disco going on in the background.

 

[Kim20]

Great input guys. I really was just curious, and when I get curious, lol, I have to be able to get the info needed to put my mind to rest on the subject. Many have called me obsessive, whether it's just a topic, or an engine. I just have to take it apart to see what's inside. I know I have annoyed people in the past, but it is just the way my mind is.

 

[Eye-level]

The only time I try to shoot wide open nowadays is when I am in the dark!!! LOL

Check this out...trying to get beyond bokeh

Graphic Fusion : Beyond Bokeh, by Hampton Roads Photographer Sarah Fox

Click on her portraiture section and you will see a couple of portraits displaying so called "good" "smooth" "creamy" bokeh...it is hideous IMO...

Bokeh is overrated and almost completely misunderstood...but it sure is neat the first couple of times you do it.

 

[Kim20]

Thanks Eye-level, That was very very interesting!!! Enjoyed it very much!

 

[Eye-level]

Your welcome ma'am...if you really want to dig in and learn about photography check out the wiki list of notable photographers, pick out a few, and read about them...amazing stuff!

For instance...look at David Bailey the photographer...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bailey

Makes me want to rent the movie Blowup...

 

[fotojack]

Great input guys. I really was just curious, and when I get curious, lol, I have to be able to get the info needed to put my mind to rest on the subject. Many have called me obsessive, whether it's just a topic, or an engine. I just have to take it apart to see what's inside. I know I have annoyed people in the past, but it is just the way my mind is.

Don't ever apologize for who you are. You have a curious, inquiring mind. Nothing wrong with that at all. Many of us here have the same attributes, otherwise we wouldn't be here, would we? People who get annoyed get over it quickly. If they don't......tough! That's their problem.

 

[Kim20]

Sounds like a great idea Eye-level, will do.

 

[Kim20]

Yes, I agree Photojack, I don't get upset any more these days when someone finds me... annoying, I kinda like it. lol I figure I am what I am. I love a curious mind myself. And thanks for the confidence booster, you are correct!

 

[Eye-level]

Don't ever apologize for who you are. You have a curious, inquiring mind. Nothing wrong with that at all. Many of us here have the same attributes, otherwise we wouldn't be here, would we? People who get annoyed get over it quickly. If they don't......tough! That's their problem.

In an Andre Kertesz clip on youtube they claim that there are two qualities that are essential for a great photographer...one of them is an insatiable curiosity about life...the other a precise sense of form

 

[Kim20]

Heck! Thats good to know!!!

 

[fotojack]

Yes, I agree Photojack, I don't get upset any more these days when someone finds me... annoying, I kinda like it. lol I figure I am what I am. I love a curious mind myself. And thanks for the confidence booster, you are correct!

Hey....it's fotojack, ok? Don't EVER get it wrong again! It's.....*wait for it*..........annoying!

You're very welcome, Kim. Just be you, and you'll enjoy life much easier.

 

[Kim20]

lol lol Careful, you might give me a complex!! and sorry about that, lol, I have caught myself on the spelling every other time