Last week's challenge was LEAVES and, I don't know about you, but the subjects were scarce around these parts. There was not a single leaf on a single tree in all of the 90 acres that we sit on, and the ones on the ground (thanks to little feet, chicken scratches and all other manner of crunching) were ripped to shreds.We happened to go to the park one day this week and that is where these leaf shots came from.
It's too bad this challenge wasn't a few weeks ago--I bet we would have had some lovely VIBRANT foliage shots to share. Instead, we get to share them...dead. :-)
Hey, that's ok. There is beauty in all stages of life...
I really wanted to CHALLENGE myself to try something new. Experiment. I stumbled upon this GORGEOUS photograph a while ago and really wanted to try to recreate it. The thought of shaped BOKEH seems to good to be true. I am TOTALLY trying hearts sometime too.
As you can see if you followed the link, this photo is pretty pathetic compared to hers but after over 100 (frustrating) shots, I realized I might need a macro lens to get the proper aperture to really blow this idea out of the water. The furthest down I could get was 4.5 and it is supposed to be 1.8. Even still, you can sorta see the leaf shapes in the lights.
As disappointing as it was, I am still thrilled to know the trick and absolutely DETERMINED to conquer this type of photo someday. Someday, when I can afford a macro lens. Which will probably happen when I am about forty.
To create shaped BOKEH (BOKEH is the term used to describe the out of focus points of light) you cut a small shape out of a black piece of paper and center it over your lens. The paper ought to cover the WHOLE lens (besides the cut out shape of course). You open up your aperture as wide as you can (the opening with which light can come through) and snap the picture. The original photographer recommends F1.8. Obviously, you need a background light source (to create the bokeh in the first place.)
I used a silk leaf (from a wreath) and some accessible christmas lights. And black contruction paper and tape.
Maybe I didn't completely succeed in the last photo but I challenged myself, and I fully believe that every time we challenge ourselves we are left better than we were before. So, in a sense I really did triumph.
Who else triumphed this week, by challenging themselves and their camera's??
In order to participate in these Foto Friday challenges, you must take a photo (or several) pertaining to the challenge and post it to your blog (and when you do, please link back to this blog {you may use the button if you like} so that perhaps we can get lots of participants! Because, you know, the more the merrier!) Then simply link to your Foto Friday post with Mr. McLinky here so that we all can visit you and compare notes...
Most importantly~challenge yourself, but HAVE FUN doing it.
THIS week's challenge is going to be a FUN one....my most FAVORITE type of photography....
MACRO!!!
No-you don't need a macro lens (I don't have one either!). Macro simply means UP CLOSE. Get as CLOSE as you possibly can to a subject while still remaining in focus and you will be surprised at what gorgeousness finds it's way in the photo!
YaY MACRO!
12 comments:
Gorgeous, naturally, and I can't wait to try this coming challenge! I LOVE doing super close shots!
Your Thing-a-ma-bob is quite smart. I wonder if I can figure out one for my little camera-hmmmm.......
I would stay and chit-chat, but I have a party in 8 hours, that I am NOT ready for!
Tootles!
Hmmm.. now I'm going to want to play with that bokeh idea.
Oh, Rebecca,you're going to have us all playing with little black paper circles and lights, now. I love the effect. This will be really neat for taking pictures around the holidays.
Thanks for the lesson, as well as the challenge.
I wish I had a better camera, maybe some day. I love taking pictures, but know nothing about photography, so I love looking at your pictures and reading these posts. Some of your tips have helped me take pictures with the bottom of the line camera that I do have and it's made a difference so thankyou... :)
You got some cool shots even without lots of leaves. I've never heard of bokeh. Then again, I'm not a photographer. I just have fun taking pictures. lol!
I love doing macro pictures, so this week should be fun!
I have always wanted to try that bokeh affect with HEARTS! II am surprised you did not cut out a heart shape. But the shape you used is a LOT more natural. :D
Wonderful pictures, as always. OK ... so I need some samples/examples of what you mean by macro to be able to participate in next weeks challenge. :D
I really enjoyed all the Foto Friday posts this week!! I LOVE autumn and have been enjoying reliving it through everyone's photos.. :) I decided to forgo this weeks challenge but am definitely going to participate in next weeks...
I wanted to say thank you for asking about Sean! He is doing so much better. The optometrist was very concerned and did extensive testing. I am so thankful our insurance covered 100% of the costs!! I don't know what to say other than God healed it, we can come up with nothing else!!
Loved the definition and helpful hints for bokeh!!
Now back to crafting!! Woo hoo!! I have been cutting out pictures, unraveling an old scarf, and making new stitches. It is so exciting preparing for Christmas!! I am having so much fun making gifts for everyone... :)
Instead of getting rid of all the old "craft" supplies we are repurposing them. Did you know you can make totally awesome shopping bags from T-shirts and tank tops? Yahhh, new life for the "discards" in the mending/rag basket!!!
Have a great week!!
I love your shots so much, and just think to myself how much your kids are going to love to look back on this scrapbook of a childhood...LUCKY them!!! Every shot is so good...as usual...Great job!
I guess mothers and daughters think alike.. as I looked over all your photos, I thought "Boy, her kids are going to have some extraordinary albums one day".. and then I read Wendy's post..Hahaha
Your work is incredible. I love all the photos and you are very skilled in photography. Perhaps you missed a calling, but your calling as a mom is so much better really..
The pictures are icing on the cake! Thanks for being such a wonderful instructor.
Marilyn
I absolutely LOVE that first one...just the intricate details...amazing CREATOR!!! :)
MACRO, YEA!!! I happen to be borrowing my SIL's macro lens...IF I can figure the dern thing out, this will be a REALLY fun challenge!
Macro is my favorite also. I am just learning, of course, but I LOVE catching the little details which make up the whole!
WAY TO GO with CHALLENGING yourself...duh, Amy! That is what a challenge is suppose to do...um, challenge! I've been kinda lazy...not challenging myself...been trying to stay off the computer, etc...I will have to TRY HARDER...my DEMANDING Professor Rebecca is really pushing us here! LOL! ;) JK, JK! :P
My entry is REALLY late for leaves...AND not to inspired, but I still love the subject ;)...
Hope you had an awesome Friday, Rebecca! :)
Ames...:)
What beautiful close up pictures of leaves. I hadnt even thought about going that close on leaves to get the detail. Your lens idea was very interesting and i love how you encourage and challenge at the same time. mmmmmm sounds like you are a teacher. Wonderful work. I really am enjoyiung being a part of your blog.
Hey Rebecca, just a heads up that I will not be participating in FF this coming week. I just feel that there is too much for me to do before I leave on Friday to goto NY (for my Aunt's memorial service). Brian will be here alone with all the kids, so please keep him in your prayers, if you feel so led. I do appreciate it. I will prolly be back the following week, but it depends on how Thanksgiving prep goes here. And then Brian is off the first week in December, so it might not be until the second week in Dec I get back into FF. But I do hope you continue with the challenges. I have gotten some AWESOME photos that I NEVER would have gotten if it were not for you and FF challenges!! HUGS!!!
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