One thing I've noticed before, and it's kind of frustrating, is that over the years there's been a progression to the point where there's basically nothing but macros at the top of the challenge results for this topic. And that's too bad, because creative or arresting use of shallow DOF is about much more than close-up shots.
Maybe this year the trend will reverse. Ironically, I'll probably do a macro myself, since I have 24 hours to get one on before I leave for the Caribbean, and I have a brand-new macro lens that's semi-permanently glued to my camera :-) But I promise it won't be a bug...
One thing I've noticed before, and it's kind of frustrating, is that over the years there's been a progression to the point where there's basically nothing but macros at the top of the challenge results for this topic. And that's too bad, because creative or arresting use of shallow DOF is about much more than close-up shots.
Maybe this year the trend will reverse. Ironically, I'll probably do a macro myself, since I have 24 hours to get one on before I leave for the Caribbean, and I have a brand-new macro lens that's semi-permanently glued to my camera :-) But I promise it won't be a bug...
R.
I don't disagree with your observation, but I still may shoot a bug. I like shooting bugs ;-)
Quick question.
What's the distinction between shallow DOF and bukeh? Or are they kinda the same thing? Or does shallow DOF have to have the focus window visable somehow?
Maybe this year the trend will reverse. Ironically, I'll probably do a macro myself, since I have 24 hours to get one on before I leave for the Caribbean, and I have a brand-new macro lens that's semi-permanently glued to my camera :-) But I promise it won't be a bug...
So much time whithout an entry, do you think my camera can produce a (at least) "nice" Shallow DOF?
With a small sensor compact, you should use maximum focal lenght and get fairly close to your subject. If you have control over aperture on it, also choose a reasonably wide aperture. That should get you a decent blur.
I really tried to get something different, but all my best shots are bugs. They actually sat still for me. At least it's not wine glasses filled with colored water.
One thing I've noticed before, and it's kind of frustrating, is that over the years there's been a progression to the point where there's basically nothing but macros at the top of the challenge results for this topic. And that's too bad, because creative or arresting use of shallow DOF is about much more than close-up shots.
R.
That's probably because people post the previous Challenge results as a guideline and then members copy the the previous winning entries or top placers. Things kinda revolve in that small world and you get the "sameness" or "lack of variety" thing mentioned in another thread.
eta: you're in the tropics(or somewhere exiting?) and all you can post is an image of a Brussels Sprout? C'mon...
eta: you're in the tropics(or somewhere exiting?) and all you can post is an image of a Brussels Sprout? C'mon...
You need some remedial counting help, Steve? That one went up for voting long before we left the Cape :-) We'll be trying to do some Summertime Meals while we're out on the boat, but whether we can get 'em submitted is up in the air. Nothing industrial down here, of course. As it happens, my Shallow DOF isn't tropical in theme, but we have been stuck up in this Villa in a howling series of storms, so... That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it...
The part that's gonna kill me is, all the pictures from the boat will be July, except for 2 days at the end which will be August. This means going tropical for July FS is problematical...
