Lavender Bokeh

This is a vintage lens photo, a Helios Helios 44m-4 58mm f/2

They are renowned for creating fabulous bokeh. Bokeh isn't everyone's favourite effect, but I think it works rather nicely here. Worth a view large to see how pin sharp the little hover-fly is

A Rawrherapee GIMP edit

I retired from work yesterday , so my photostream might be a little busier than it has been recently.

I'm 62, so I decided to take the summer off and maybe find something part time in the the autumn. My wife and family are encouraging me to try and set myself up a little photography business, doing weddings, pets , lifestyle pics etc. All offers considered :)

[FBailey]

You're 62? I'd put you at much younger Phil - you're certainly wearing well. Great idea about going into photography. You will love retirement, it's what I was born for! Love the tiny insect, the sharpness of the blossom and of course the bokeh

[Phil Howcroft]

@fbailey thank you felicity , that's very kind, I've got some even crazier bokeh bubbles when I shot at f2, but the little insect made me choose this

[Maggiemae]

I love bokeh but you have to do the F2 bit as well as getting the light in the right places! This is lovely!

[Hazel]

Fav for the great lavender bokeh. I believe that those hexagonal ones are the most sought after? And happy retirement. A little photography business sounds just the ticket for you.

[*lynn]

very cool, love the bokeh

[Christopher Cox]

Love it! Enjoy your retirement, Phil

[Beryl Lloyd]

Lovely dreamy summery shot ! Best wishes in your retirement - I am sure the camera will keep you busy !

[Casablanca]

Love that combo of sharp and bokeh

[Phil Howcroft]

@casablanca many thks casa 😀☀️

@beryl many thanks beryl . Much appreciated

[Phil Howcroft]

@christophercox thanks Chris I will

@lynnz thank you Lynn

[Phil Howcroft]

@quietpurplehaze thanks haze for your kind words and continued support

[Phil Howcroft]

@maggiemae glad you like this Maggie

[Mike]

Super. Start that photography business. You know you want to!! Fav

[Helen Jane]

Beautifully sharp and magical with all that bokeh. Love those little backlit legs on the fly. I do hope you choose something that will give you pleasure and not pressure. You clearly have very good people skills, so perhaps the occasion photography would suit you very well.