I noticed some interesting effects in a few past shots from the 85mm lens at f1.8.
I set up an experiment to try and figure out what was happening so that I would be able to use this feature on command. The effect had to do with blurring thin objects that were out of focus but in a way that left sharp edges. The sharp edges of a blurred object is something that you would not expect. The result is you get a thin semi transparent object with shape and defined edges. Once mastered, you should be able to use this effect in an artistic manner.
I took many pictures at various distances. From this collection here are two shots that demonstrate the effect.
Bokeh Experiments, Foreground
85mm, F1.8, iso 100, 1/80 sec
18″ obstruction, 31″ target
Bokeh Foreground
Bokeh Experiments, Background
85mm, F1.8, iso 100, 1/80 sec
47″ obstruction, 31″ target
Bokeh Background
The 31 inches to the subject is as close as this lens will focus and the f1.8 is the largest aperture. Various colored wires were dangled either behind or in front of the subject and all illuminated with a 300 watt halogen lamp.
It seems critical that the wire be of just the right diameter and just the right distance. Too thin and it is barely visible. Too fat and we loose the transparency as well as the defined edge.
We do have a significant problem with these type of shots. The image through the viewfinder is not at all like the resulting image. The viewfinder does not show as much out of focus blurring as the resulting photograph, thus you have to guess what is going to happen. This guessing is only going to work if you’ve had lots of practice.
Now I have to come up with a name for this effect, I’m thinking “Boket”.
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