Link and the Attack of the Fireflies (or how to Bokeh with a 18-55 kit lens)

[bbtom10]

Hi there,

No post processing on this one (apart from the RAW transfer) - it was an experiment to see if I could get some bokeh out of my kit lens and I did!

My query here is that I think I got the biggest bokeh I could but actually, my lighting is all off on the subject (Link from the Legend of Zelda series). I had some old christmas lights spread over the sofa acorss the room (maybe 2.5 metres behind Link) and Link was at my minimum focussing distance from the lens (a few inches).

I had a small desk lamp with a homemade cardboard snoot on to focus the light on link - lamp was level with the camera, to the camera left, and probably less than 12 inches from Link.

So I appreciate your comments on whether I am at the limits technically with this lens, or if it is my ability that is lacking - is Link in focus, what could I do about the lighting?



Camera Nikon D5000
Exposure 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture f/5.3
Focal Length 40 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash No Flash

Thanks.

Tom

[Eastree]

Others may feel differently, but I think the one-sided lighting and harsh shadows help the night-time mood of the photo. Good set-up!