What finish/enhancement is used?

[chavensphotography]

Hello ya'll. I have a question. I have seen photos with this kinda of erie finish. I don't know how else to explain it. I have asked photographers before how they got these photos but I can't get a straight answer. Is this a lens or a effect done on the photo afterwards? If anyone can help I'd appreciate it.

Thx
Christine

[Jim Poor]

If you're talking about the "circles" in the background, that's Bokeh. Different lenses have nicer or uglier bokeh and some kits are out and about to give you shapes like hearts and such. These circles, imo, are an example of really bad bokeh. Maybe caused by a mirror reflex lens or a lens with really crappy bokeh in general.

By the way, do you have permission to post this photo since it apparently isn't yours?

[LeeR]

I don't believe that is from a mirror reflex lens (catadioptric), they have bokeh that looks like little donuts. I don't know everything that has been done to this image, but the highlights have certainly been clipped; something that could easily be done in "Levels." I don't think so, I suspect the 'dreamy' effect is from the profusion of bokeh. Is the bokeh poorly done? Yes, but I suspect it could have been repaired if the highlights hadn't been clipped.

[BigVinnie]

Alien Skin plugin.

Google it.