A few weeks ago I read about Bokeh on fellow blogger, Lori's post . It's basically describes the "out-of-focus" areas of a photograph making the main subject stand out. She has beautiful samples of her photography here. I have been trying to perfect this technique without much success. On Sunday Grant and I were birding in the valley, when I spotted a bird on the side of the road. I not so much as spotted it as heard it at first. Grant stopped and I saw the bird sitting on a sandy mound uttering a nasal buzzing sound: "zzhhrrr". I took half a dozen photos before it flew off into the bush. Imagine my delight when I downloaded the photos and found that I'd inadvertantly achieved the Bokeh effect in my photo. (you can read more about Bokeh here, if you wish)
Golden-breasted Bunting
Bokeh shows how the out-of-focus area makes the subject stand out (I'm determined to work harder to achieve this from now on!)
For more bird photos around the world, click here
Hi Jo, I've never heard of Bokeh but I like it. Perhaps I will have a chance to try it out some time. Love your little bird :-)
ReplyDeleteWow---that bunting called my name... Love it... Never seen one like that before.. Just gorgeous!!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Jo! You did a beautiful job with these photos! Perfect examples of the Bokeh technique.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures...lovely birds!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird and I like that bokeh affect. I get lucky with it occasionally.
ReplyDeleteHe's a beautiful bird and welcome to the world of bokeh. It is especially good with Christmas lights in the back ground. It has a lot to do with Depth of Field. Use a wide aperture (low number) and have a good distance between the subject and the background and use a telephoto lens.
ReplyDeleteTry these sites:http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/?
s=Bokeh&submit=
http://www.photoble.com/photography-tips-tricks/how-to-7-quick-tips-to-create-bokeh-with-digital-camera
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/?s=bokeh&search=Search
A lovely bird.
ReplyDeleteTo get your 'bokeh' effect, use a small f stop on your camera.
e.g. f4 or f5.6
Focusing is critical, but everything else should be thrown out of focus, and make the subject stand out.
Yes, I learn something new every day ...
ReplyDelete... if we ever meet-up in Namibia Jo, I'm going to sit you down in front of my computer and get you to go through my "Unidentified Birds" file ... :)
Hi Jo, It is always fun to learn something new. You did great. I love the pretty bunting too. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteWoW, Jo! What perfectly clear shots of the subject (bird)! I had never heard of Bokeh before but I see you have done it well. Great work.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little thing ! (Arthur thinks the same, lol)
ReplyDeleteA happy surprise then..I had not heard of that technique but it gives great results as you got....
ReplyDeleteA lovely bird to see... Keith (Holdingmoments)is spot on with what to do.
ReplyDeleteYou are on your way to becoming a bokeh master!
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous bird!
ReplyDeleteIt works best if you zoom in on the bird and the background is a little further behind it. Ergo, your success here. Beautiful shots.
ReplyDelete