People Portrait, Christmas Lights, Octagon Bokeh

Portrait, Christmas Lights, Octagon Bokeh · 06:49 AM

I don't recall getting octagon bokeh before, and I'm not sure how I would get it again, unless it has to do with shooting Christmas lights. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Sky

Peter Zack · 12-26-2009, 09:10 AM

Added [IMGWIDE] tags to see the photo inline.

You'll get this type of highlight with a mid aperture and any form of highlights in the background. Much more noticable when the highlights are buried in a dark background.

No idea what this lens was (50mm ??). But lets assume it's an f1.4. So stop the lens down to f2 to f5.6 or so and you get a blurred background and the highlights like you see them here. If the lens is wide open, the highlights will be round. If the lens is stopped down too much (say f16) then the highlights will usually be in focus and you'd actually see the lights or points of bright light.

skyoftexas · 12-26-2009, 09:29 AM

Thanks, Peter. It is the FA 50mm f/1.4, and the picture was taken at f/2.4, with a dark background. Now I understand better.

Regards,
Sky

**Ash** · 12-26-2009, 01:24 PM

A pleasing candid portrait nonetheless.
With such thin depth of field at f/2.4, you need to be accurate with your focusing, and making sure the right part of the subject is in focus - in this case it's the front of this lady's face. Her ear is not as important in such a portrait.

skyoftexas · 12-26-2009, 02:33 PM

you point is astute and well taken. Next time I will be more mindful. This was a case of whipping the camera up and firing quickly since my photo shooting was only being tolerated (barely) rather than encouraged. This second shot might be a little better:

http://www.skyoftexas.com/Back-of-the-House/Friends/IGP1446/747854534_HJR4Q-L.jpg

Another one on the same occasion:

http://www.skyoftexas.com/Back-of-the-House/Friends/IGP1447b1/748092062_Kin46-L.jpg

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12-26-2009, 02:33 PM	#5
skyoftexas Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: United States Posts: 156 Original Poster	Thank you, Ash --- you point is astute and well taken. Next time I will be more mindful. This was a case of whipping the camera up and firing quickly since my photo shooting was only being tolerated (barely) rather than encouraged. This second shot might be a little better: http://www.skyoftexas.com/Back-of-the-House/Friends/IGP1446/747854534_HJR4Q-L.jpg Another one on the same occasion: http://www.skyoftexas.com/Back-of-the-House/Friends/IGP1447b1/748092062_Kin46-L.jpg

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12-26-2009, 09:10 AM	#2
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Added [IMGWIDE] tags to see the photo inline. You'll get this type of highlight with a mid aperture and any form of highlights in the background. Much more noticable when the highlights are buried in a dark background. No idea what this lens was (50mm ??). But lets assume it's an f1.4. So stop the lens down to f2 to f5.6 or so and you get a blurred background and the highlights like you see them here. If the lens is wide open, the highlights will be round. If the lens is stopped down too much (say f16) then the highlights will usually be in focus and you'd actually see the lights or points of bright light.

12-26-2009, 09:29 AM	#3
skyoftexas Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: United States Posts: 156 Original Poster	Thanks, Peter. It is the FA 50mm f/1.4, and the picture was taken at f/2.4, with a dark background. Now I understand better. Regards, Sky

12-26-2009, 01:24 PM	#4
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	A pleasing candid portrait nonetheless. With such thin depth of field at f/2.4, you need to be accurate with your focusing, and making sure the right part of the subject is in focus - in this case it's the front of this lady's face. Her ear is not as important in such a portrait.