Photographing your Bokeh

[woodmancy]

Hi everyone:

I've got pictures in a couple of threads to show this and have got some good response - so I've started this thread where similar images can be posted.

A few ideas on the rules might be:
Pictures of bokeh only - no in focus image (but some might object to that)
The objective is to see as many nuances that the design and construction of the lens can bring to the table. It's obvious to do it on this forum because M4/3 lets you use most lenses ever made.
As these images are mostly abstract in nature, I think post processing should be allowed to go wild, with out changing the original structure of the bokeh. Severe cropping helps, so does lots of noise.

Here are a couple to get things going.

Keith

[Vivek]

Keith, You can only have "Bokeh" when there is something in the frame in focus. Fuz in their own right (very rarely) makes an image IMO.

Like this fuzzy one (which does not do much)..



SOM-Berthiot 25/0.95 wide open.

(note: the "double line" bokeh is absent)

This one (pardon the focused part) is from Type M2 Angenieux 25/0.95.



The OOF background isn't very distracting.

...however, fuzz in its own right can make pretty good "wallpaper." Viewed strictly as abstract patterns, I liked Keith's examples. The contrast between sharp-edged and soft-edged elements and the different areas of color and texture give them some structure.

However, even pure abstraction has to have a sense of intentionality to be more than momentarily interesting. It might be an intriguing challenge for somebody to start with this technique and find a way to add intellectual content to it.

[Vivek]

The contrast between sharp-edged and soft-edged elements and the different areas of color and texture give them some structure.

Correct. That would certainly contradict the Keith's own guidelines!

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by Ranger 9

...however, fuzz in its own right can make pretty good "wallpaper." Viewed strictly as abstract patterns, I liked Keith's examples. The contrast between sharp-edged and soft-edged elements and the different areas of color and texture give them some structure.
However, even pure abstraction has to have a sense of intentionality to be more than momentarily interesting. It might be an intriguing challenge for somebody to start with this technique and find a way to add intellectual content to it.

Pure abstraction in art has yielded more than just wallpaper over the years. These works are being sold for visual content, but also their intellectual content (the viewers interpretation could have no relation to the one the artist intended)
The intention could be color and shape juxtaposition to make an eye pleasing picture.
This idea started with me because I started to see some weird imagary in the OOF of these lenses. So I processed them to make that clearer. For instance, Vivek's picture of the dandelion heads has been processed to make those in-focus areas clear and visible, because Vivek wants the viewer to see that first. If he processes with the idea of making the viewer see the OOF stuff first, he will get a totally different image.
I like Jackson Pollak's stuff but I could not guess (well, maybe I could, but would likely be wrong) what his intentions were.

Keith

[woodmancy]

OK - another comment.
I said this is about photographing your bokeh. I was trying to be a bit funny with that. If you think about it, it precludes photographing an image in front of your bokeh (because then, you are blocking your bokeh).
I love cameras and lenses, have an awful lot of them, But Holgas have given me as much fun as RD-1s, G-1s, or whatever.
I'm very much with Winogrand on this - the camera/lens is the tool - just go out and do something with it - the rules of the technology are something you must deal with it. A picture can be technically perfect or non-perfect, as long it is pleasing to the photographer.

Keith

I see these "bokegraphs" (you'll never get traction in the blogosphere if your art movement doesn't have a catchy name) as an interesting new branch on the tree of art techniques whose intellectual hook is the idea of producing a photograph that doesn't depict an explicit subject. Check out the "camera toss" and "light movement" groups on Flickr to see some others that already are well-established.

I think there's a lot of potential in the idea of selecting or constructing scenes to be photographed specifically to look interesting when they're completely defocused.

The trick is going to be to figure out a structure for giving them intentionality: a way to make sure the viewer can tell the difference between a deliberate "fuzzograph" and what happens when you press the shutter release accidentally.

When I used to write art criticism, I'd refer to this as "passing the vacant-lot test": If you found the thing lying in a vacant lot, would you recognize it as a valuable work o' art, or would you just think it was an interesting-looking piece of random junk?

(Of course there were art movements, such as Dadaism, that made a practice of putting actual junk into art galleries to force viewers to confront their internal definitions of art -- but that confrontation in itself demonstrated the Dadaists' intentionality. On the other hand, I once witnessed an amusing demonstration of NON-intentionality when I attended a museum show of "industrial sculptures" that lit up, spun, moved, etc. I noticed one very intricate one, mounted on the wall, that seemed to be drawing an interested crowd; after taking a look, I didn't have the heart to tell them that it was one of the pen recorders installed throughout the museum to track the humidity level!)

[woodmancy]

These are from the Canon FD 50/1.4
Not such a bokeh lens as the Takumar, but interesting (depending on whether this type of bokeh is good or bad)

I've put titles on them to try connect them to real imagery (but I really don't want to do that)

Keith

Pending storms(piece of a garden fence)

Lost Jewels (Bits of old flowerpots)

Lost in the woods (a six inch square of my garden soil)

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by Ranger 9

I think there's a lot of potential in the idea of selecting or constructing scenes to be photographed specifically to look interesting when they're completely defocused.

I agree with you mostly, Ranger. But, if you look at my pink image at the beginning of this thread, the circles don't seem to be out of focus?
That is why the lens rendering is so interesting, it varies all over the place, depending on subject, lighting and whatever.

Keith

[Vivek]

But, if you look at my pink image at the beginning of this thread, the circles don't seem to be out of focus?

No, Keith. The edges of the circles are sharp.

[Y.B.Hudson III]

yehh... Context trumps content when pl@ying the g@me of fine @rt...*







* burp...

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by Vivek

No, Keith. The edges of the circles are sharp.

Are they in focus?

Keith

[Vivek]

Keith, The edges are sharp.

FWIW, they are out of focus highlights rather than any blurred (real) objects.

[Leica 77]

G1 + Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm F1,5. ISO 100. Aperture @ F1,5. My small contribution to the "Bokehgraphy".



The equipment used.

[Leica 77]

G1 + Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm F1,5. The same set up as above.

[Lars Vinberg]

Great thread keep 'em coming!

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by Leica 77

G1 + Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm F1,5. The same set up as above.

Hey, Leica 77, you have found your groove - well done,

Keith

[Leica 77]

Originally Posted by woodmancy

Hey, Leica 77, you have found your groove - well done,

Keith

Hi, I owe it to you, my friend, Keith! I followed your helpful and insightful instructions. Later in the near future, I will post some more images. Your critique will be much appreciated. All the best!

[woodmancy]

Pebbles
Canon FD 50/1.4

Keith

[woodmancy]

Pillioried
Canon FD 50/1.4

[JayCee]

Jeez, I can't believe this thread actually has so many taking part.
What next...pictures of your lens caps
Whatever floats your boat I suppose.

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by JayCee

Jeez, I can't believe this thread actually has so many taking part.
What next...pictures of your lens caps
Whatever floats your boat I suppose.

Don't worry about it, only 2 1/2 of us have contributed images. Viveks has a sharp image in it so it counts as 1/2

Keith

[woodmancy]

Flower Burst

This one is interesting - it is the new Oly 17mm 2.8. There is lots of interesting stuff in there.

Hey Ranger - do you like the way I'm giving them names?

Keith

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by Leica 77

G1 + Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm F1,5. The same set up as above.

OK, Leica 77, I'm breaking down - how did you do that

Keith

[woodmancy]

Torso
A b & w Bokehgraph
Thank heaven for double line bokeh - I have to find me a better (worse lens) for this
Pentax 50/1.4

[Leica 77]

Originally Posted by woodmancy

OK, Leica 77, I'm breaking down - how did you do that

Keith

Hi My Friend, Keith:
It had a lot to do with the Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm F1,5 lens. As you know, the lens is reputed to produce pleasing bokeh. The object recorded is a piece of colorful fabric with many circular designs. Once again, thank you for providing me with your insightful guidance! You introduced me to the fine art of "bokehgraphy"!

[Leica 77]

G1 + Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm F1,5. ISO 100. Aperture @ F1,5. Another humble contribution to the "Bokehgraphy".

[Vivek]

There were no images I have contributed that would qualify.

This one might (although, it isn't a "bokeh" by definition).

AF malfunction of 50/1.8 Nikkor on a Nikon D300.

[Brian Mosley]

Originally Posted by Y.B.Hudson III

yehh... Context trumps content when pl@ying the g@me of fine @rt...*







* burp...

I have noticed that

Love the idea of "Bokehgraphy" - great invention! must look out for another Nikon 50mm f1.8... keep it up everyone! I don't have any photographs of nothing but bokeh... will do something later

Kind Regards

Brian

[Leica 77]

Originally Posted by Brian Mosley

I have noticed that

Love the idea of "Bokehgraphy" - great invention! must look out for another Nikon 50mm f1.8... keep it up everyone! I don't have any photographs of nothing but bokeh... will do something later

Kind Regards

Brian

Hi Brian,
You are da Man! We will look forward to seeing your bokehgraphs soon! All the best!

[f6cvalkyrie]

"bokehgraphy" seems to be a lot of fun.

I have no pictures to share yet, but next time I'll go shooting flowers, I'll take my knife, and cut the flower away to shoot the background. I'm still in doubt whether to the cutting before or after shooting the flower.



C U,
Rafael

[Steen]

I remember that image very well, Vivek, it's a wallhanger.
Serendipitous Bokehgraphy at its best

Originally Posted by Vivek

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by f6cvalkyrie

"bokehgraphy" seems to be a lot of fun.

I have no pictures to share yet, but next time I'll go shooting flowers, I'll take my knife, and cut the flower away to shoot the background. I'm still in doubt whether to the cutting before or after shooting the flower.



C U,
Rafael

No need for a tripod for this kind of work, so the procedure is:
1. Focus on the flower
2. Put the camera down and cut the flower
3. Put the camera back to it's original position . . . . . . oh, that may not work

But at least you get to take home a bunch of flowers

Keith

[Leica 77]

Originally Posted by f6cvalkyrie

"bokehgraphy" seems to be a lot of fun.

I have no pictures to share yet, but next time I'll go shooting flowers, I'll take my knife, and cut the flower away to shoot the background. I'm still in doubt whether to the cutting before or after shooting the flower.



C U,
Rafael

Hi My Friend Rafael,
This thread is so much fun! We will look forward to your bokegraphs with or without the pretty flowers! All the best!

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by Vivek

There were no images I have contributed that would qualify.

This one might (although, it isn't a "bokeh" by definition).

AF malfunction of 50/1.8 Nikkor on a Nikon D300.

Lovely colours Vivek

[Leica 77]

Originally Posted by bondo

I remember that image very well, Vivek, it's a wallhanger.
Serendipitous Bokehgraphy at its best

Hi My Friend bondo,
I think it might be the bird that flew away from your cat! All the best!

[f6cvalkyrie]

Originally Posted by woodmancy

But at least you get to take home a bunch of flowers

That's why you guys call this "bouquet-graphy", isn't it ?

Rafael

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by Leica 77

G1 + Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm F1,5. ISO 100. Aperture @ F1,5. Another humble contribution to the "Bokehgraphy".

Hi Leica 77 - I may break down and get this lens
How does it produce bokehgraphs from subjects that are primarily linear in nature (a bunch of twigs)

Keith

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by woodmancy

Hi Leica 77 - I may break down and get this lens
How does it produce bokehgraphs from subjects that are primarily linear in nature (a bunch of twigs)

Keith

I just did some quick research - is the Russian Jupiter 3 a copy of the Zeiss. If so I have it on my shelf and will test it (for bokeh, of course) Should look about the same (bokehgraphers don't care about sharpness )

Keith

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by f6cvalkyrie

That's why you guys call this "bouquet-graphy", isn't it ?

Rafael

Come on Rafael, stop making jokes and let's see your bokehgraphs. We all know you are out there doing them

Keith

[Leica 77]

Originally Posted by woodmancy

Hi Leica 77 - I may break down and get this lens
How does it produce bokehgraphs from subjects that are primarily linear in nature (a bunch of twigs)

Keith

Hi My Mentor and Friend Keith,
It seems to have a lot to do with the Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50mm F1,5 lens. I also select an object that has many white dots or circles. Thanks to you, this thread is so much fun! It's great that we have Ranger 9, Brian, bondo, Rafael, and of course, Vivek; and others (Lars, JayCee, Y.B.) coming into the fantastic world of "Bokehgraphy". All the best!

[Leica 77]

Originally Posted by f6cvalkyrie

That's why you guys call this "bouquet-graphy", isn't it ?

Rafael

Hello My Friend Rafael,
You are absolutely right!

[woodmancy]

Tiny Bubbles
Seems that my Jupiter may be related to Leica's Zeiss - circles everywhere

Keith

[woodmancy]

Green and Red
Another one from the Oly 17mm

Keith

[kweide]

One from me:
Leica Summicron R 90 F2 on E-P1

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by kweide

One from me:
Leica Summicron R 90 F2 on E-P1

Somehow I knew that Klaus would get involved - this thread could really grow in size

This one is very ethereal
1. light, airy, or tenuous: an ethereal world created through the poetic imagination.
2. extremely delicate or refined: ethereal beauty.
3. heavenly or celestial: gone to his ethereal home.
4. of or pertaining to the upper regions of space.
5. Chemistry. pertaining to, containing, or resembling ethyl ether.


Keith

[woodmancy]

My Pentax 6.5mm no focus lens seems quite good for bokehgraphy - but I'm holding some back.

As a salute to the modernist movement (ask Ranger 9 about that) this one is called "Egg and Chips"

[woodmancy]

Could not hold this one back.

It's called "Wet Lands" and is done with my Pentax 6.5mm no-focus lens.

Sorry to be flooding these in, but I'm off on a European cruise tomorrow, and my disciples have to keep this going.

We need a micro bokehgraph (my micro nikkor 55/3.5 with extension tube arrived today, but the adapter has still to come.)

Also need some telephoto bokehgraphs and maybe some IR and UV

I'm thinking of doing a cruise book in which I take a bokehghraph in each major city to show people where I am (Rome, Constantinople, Athens and all that stuff.

I got a bit excited and wrote to Panasonic about sponsoring a world symposium on bokehgraphy, but they said that we would have to get a release from our bokeh - didn't think Vivek would like that

Keith

[Leica 77]

Originally Posted by woodmancy

My Pentax 6.5mm no focus lens seems quite good for bokehgraphy - but I'm holding some back.

As a salute to the modernist movement (ask Ranger 9 about that) this one is called "Egg and Chips"

Hi My Mentor and Friend Keith,

This bokehgraph produced by your Pentax 6.5mm no-focus lens is really beautiful. I also like the image produced by your Jupiter lens, with lots of pretty circles. We'll look forward to seeing bokegraphs of Rome, Constantinople, Athens, etc. Have a nice and safe journey! All the best!

[woodmancy]

Originally Posted by kweide

One from me:
Leica Summicron R 90 F2 on E-P1

Kweide - this is not your style. You always title your pictures. But for your first Bokehgraph, you just say "one from me" Boring

It deserves a title. Next one has to have a title. I'm really into titles after Ranger's comments earlier. Helps to confine your expressions

Keith