What’s Your Preference?

yomonk1 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 04:28 PM

Thanks for letting me join in the conversation. I am a beginner photographer with basic equipment but want to learn technique before I go investing in better equipment. I will try to absorb all this site has to offer. I saw a similar bokeh photo done and wanted to try my hand at it. What do you think I did wrong, did right and could have done better? Thanks in advance.

Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS
f/5.6
1/2 sec exposure
ISO 800
focal length 55mm

http://flic.kr/p/b9yCvn

CapnJack · #2 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 06:18 PM

I don't see a picture.

Tito87 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 06:22 PM

Welcome to DPS. I like the idea, but I'd like to see your subject better: It looks dark and soft. More exposure and more sharpness on your subject would do it for me. But if that was the look you were going for, don't mind me. Did you use a tripod? I'd suggest you post your picture here, rather than a link--you'll get more people to look at your picture. Enjoy your stay at school.

yomonk1 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tito87

Welcome to DPS. I like the idea, but I'd like to see your subject better: It looks dark and soft. More exposure and more sharpness on your subject would do it for me. But if that was the look you were going for, don't mind me. Did you use a tripod? I'd suggest you post your picture here, rather than a link--you'll get more people to look at your picture. Enjoy your stay at school.

I tried to just post the pic but it kept coming up as a red X. I'll try again on the next pic. I did use a tripod, Had to "wing" it since I was part of the subject by shooting on timer. I wanted to the foreground somewhat darkened, just emphasizing the "heart" and the background blurred, as in Bokeh. It just didn't have the dramatic effect I see from some other Bokeh shots.

Tito87 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yomonk1

I tried to just post the pic but it kept coming up as a red X. I'll try again on the next pic. I did use a tripod, Had to "wing" it since I was part of the subject by shooting on timer. I wanted to the foreground somewhat darkened, just emphasizing the "heart" and the background blurred, as in Bokeh. It just didn't have the dramatic effect I see from some other Bokeh shots.

To get a better bokeh, you can use a wider aperture-- but I'm going to assume that you were using the kit lens, and that was as wide as you could get. If that was the case, try putting some more distance between your subject and the background, and get closer to your subject. You should get the 50mm f/8-- it's not expensive, and it gives you a better bokeh.

ceremus · #6 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yomonk1

I tried to just post the pic but it kept coming up as a red X. I'll try again on the next pic. I did use a tripod, Had to "wing" it since I was part of the subject by shooting on timer. I wanted to the foreground somewhat darkened, just emphasizing the "heart" and the background blurred, as in Bokeh. It just didn't have the dramatic effect I see from some other Bokeh shots.

You might be able to pull off getting the hands as silhouette if you can make sure there's no ambient light coming from behind and the christmas tree lights are the only light coming in. You might need to manually decrease your ISO and maybe increase your exposure time. If you can hold still enough, that is.

If they were silhouetted it should disguise the fact that they're out of focus, and that may be for the best. Getting your own hands in sharp focus in that kind of a shot is going to be difficult.

As far as getting more dramatic bokeh, you'll likely want a lens with a larger maximum aperture than the kit for that, because a larger aperture will give you a shorter depth of field. Probably a fast prime like the 50mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4. Another way to get a shorter depth of field is to decrease your camera-to-subject distance. The kit lens can actually focus pretty closely, bordering on actual macro photography, so the closer you can get to your subject and still properly frame your shot, the more out of focus your background will be.

yomonk1 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 10:18 PM

Great feedback guys. Thanks! I'll try a few more with your feedback. Now as far as the 55mm f/8, and thoughts on where to find best prices?

ceremus · #8 (**permalink**) 01-09-2012, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tito87

It's 50mm f/1.8
Check this site. They seem to have good prices.
BuyHerePhoto

Be careful about that site. All customer feedback from there indicates heavy Bait & Switch tactics. buyherephoto.com Reviews - buyherephoto.com/ Ratings at ResellerRatings

Personally I stick to B&H, Adorama, Amazon, Dell, and other well known sellers. You can buy used for a better price of course, just do your research first. Know who you're buying from and what their terms are.