Had such fun shooting some sun sun stars in the Last challenge, that I didn't want the fun to stop! Really grateful for all your comments and votes.
I've decided to host this one myself - Having only joined a few of these challenges throughout my journey (so far), I was shocked there's been a staggeringly diverse array of CSC challenges already (We've hit 30!), which covers almost every setting you could possibly dream to set with a camera, without venturing into the realms of post processing (defying the point of CSC!).
Do some of the camera settings intimidate you? Do you want to learn how to develop your photography skills and learn how to use your camera effectively without always going back to the “auto” function? These challenges are for you!
This week’s challenge is: NATURAL BOKEH
Explanation:
Since the weather, (for most of us I'd hope) at this time of year is'nt 'too bad', I decided that I'd put a 'twist' on a previous fun challenge to get everyone participating and also welcome some people who might have only recently acquired an SLR.
The challenge is to produce Bokeh images (the blurring of out of focus areas of light), but to add a challenge rather than the normal images of 'constructed indoor' scenes with, for example a tea cup in focus and fairy lights simulating the steam using Bokeh (Google 'bokeh', I bet you see one...don't get me wrong, i do still LOVE those! but), I want to see examples of bokeh you've been out and found, e.g. a flower in focus with the sun lighting up some long grass behind in the out of focus areas.
Get outside - Think of different textures (light coming through trees), how the light hits them (shiny things...oooo), what in that vicinity that you could use as the "in focus" parts of a photo and how this might lead to an interesting image.
If it's not possible to get out shooting in the sunlight, you could do the same with street lights etc, but I'm just interested in getting you out and looking at YOUR surroundings for the extra challenge, using different angles and perspectives and thinking rather than "setting up" a shot; you know what I mean, I hope ;)
Most importantly of all, we're not going to exclude images, so don't get too hung up on the details (provided it's within the dates)! Get out there, have fun with a wide aperture, and the great images will no doubt follow!
Additional Tips :
There are so many descriptions online of what bokeh is, where it originated from etc etc, that I think i'll describe "the bare basics" to get you started.
Set Aperture priority mode, get the lowest number F-stop (widest aperture) you have available, and find objects/scenes to photograph with a light source (or reflected light) a relatively large distance behind.
Also try varying the distance between your camera and the objects to vary the effect! (more info available on the links below)
A couple of impromptu shots from out and about; (i'm sure some others have some better example shots too)
Experienced photographers who are knowledgeable in this particular setting are encouraged to offer “kind and constructive” suggestions on the posted entries. Those entering this challenge want to learn and improve.
This challenge starts today, and finishes , Monday 5th August 12:00pm Central Standard Time (17:00 Zulu time http://www.zulutime.net). All photos must be taken during these dates to be considered. Enter as many as you would like- the idea is to practice & learn.
TAG YOUR PHOTO CSC-30
AND post your picture in this thread to receive feedback from other experienced photographers specific to this challenge.
Voting will take place , 6th August (and remain open 24 hours) and the winner will be announced 8th August. The winner of the challenge will select an experienced photographer to host a new challenge. It is the winner’s option on who they want to host the next challenge; it may be someone they follow whose work they admire, or someone who is active offering suggestions on previous CSC challenges. The winner may also select an experienced photographer for the list of photographers who have agreed to host future challenges as another option. Here is the link to that list: http://365project.org/myhrhelper/365/2011-12-12
Expect to receive constructive suggests on how to improve your skills.
How to post your photo on this link:
1) Go to your page that has the photo you wish to post.
2) Copy the “share” code in the bottom right section of that page.
3) Return to this thread and paste the code under comments
@lbjefferies you got me Jeff! It's definitely coincidental. I shoved it up there because I relised I didn't actually have many examples to pull from my project of what bokeh is.
@myhrhelper Yes, I'll always check the tagged ones and when they were taken when concluding - However they definitely give a better feeling of what the challenge is about. Plus they're great to aspire to, some of them are superb!
And you can see some other (I think) natural bokeh-samples here. As a matter of fact, I'd said all my bokeh pictures are "natural bokeh" pictures (as in "not constructed")
I am not sure if my "Trapped Forever' pic strictly qualifies ... since the background is barely visible ... and I have done a slight amount of processing on the hue ... but given the focus on the web and blurry background it may ... I also admit that this may be a sadder picture than most but am adding in it anyway ..and let you decide !!
Not sure these are eligible for the challenge as they are indoor shots, and I just read you wanted to get us outside for this challenge ...anyway eligible or not I still practised :-)
@tomo87 im afraid you have created a natural bokeh monster here... Lol.. I love the look.. I have tried oodles of time to do the "set up" bokeh but i just cant get it.. Natural bokeh on the other hand i have found to be quite easy once i knew where to look... Thanks for the great challenge
@tomo87 Ok Tom, I've looked briefly at the photos tagged csc-30 WOW!
There are so many stunning photos - Oh I would not want to trade places with you - oh when it comes to narrowing down finalists.
I just happened upon this challenge today so I thought I'd put my bokeh shot in here too, I have a specific time in the morning where I go out and find bokeh shots if I can and since I live in the country it's not to hard :)
@skstein if you search for CSC-30 then click photos you will see all images tagged.
There are a LOT of great shots.
But that doesn't mean there isn't space for more, get your photos up and tagged quick, this theme closes for entry 12pm central standard time Monday - today (6am Tuesday GMT)!
Tweets ahoy!
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@tomo87 Oh I would not want to be you - I can see you are gong to have so much fun selecting finalists for this challenge!
Im in
:0)
@myhrhelper I've created a monster! wittling these entries down is going to be a very tough; but pleasurable task, looking tough even after 1 day!
And you can see some other (I think) natural bokeh-samples here. As a matter of fact, I'd said all my bokeh pictures are "natural bokeh" pictures (as in "not constructed")
natural and organic:)
Or you can click this link to see my pun-filled version: http://365project.org/archaeofrog/365/2013-07-26
Raggedy Love
Clover Lover
My bokeh at my back yard :)
There are so many stunning photos - Oh I would not want to trade places with you - oh when it comes to narrowing down finalists.
Going to be a fun day picking some finalists from these....!
thank you very much! Your photo is also very beautiful
There are a LOT of great shots.
But that doesn't mean there isn't space for more, get your photos up and tagged quick, this theme closes for entry 12pm central standard time Monday - today (6am Tuesday GMT)!
Likkl' bokeh :)