I recently watched a video on creative focus techniques and decided to try this one. Instead of moving the petals and leaves out from in front of the flower I wanted to shoot, I pressed the lens glass up against the petals in front and focused on the flower in back. I used my trusty 18-138mm lens at a focal length of 128mm f8, and single point focus. I have also been working on my overall focusing abilities and I was really pleased with how sharp this came out and the perspective through the petals.
I realize this forum is about post processing but I actually didn't do any major creative post processing and no filters or texture layers were applied. I can see where you could take it much further with some texture layers but I just wanted to share this creative focusing technique with you. The example I saw in the video was with smaller, lighter colored flowers and it gave it a very pretty ethereal look.
Nice result! The only caution I'd share is if you get pollen on the lens, be careful about removing it. I think I read that you can scratch a lens with that stuff
I've tried the peek-a-boo ("looking through" ??) compositions a couple of times, but without much success. Appreciate your sharing this similar and well executed idea, Keni.
What a cool idea. I don't think I would risk the objective lens on my 70-300 but with a clear glass filter? I'll give it a try if the desert ever blooms again.
Linda I have tried focusing through something before but always at a distance and it never worked for me. This way creates a soft effect that I like. I appreciate the heads up on the pollen. Didn't think about that. This is not something I would do often but it's nice to have in my little bag of tricks.
Curmudgeon wrote:
What a cool idea. I don't think I would risk the objective lens on my 70-300 but with a clear glass filter? I'll give it a try if the desert ever blooms again.
If I remember correctly the instructor had a UV filter on their lens. I should have remembered that but I was taking a walk in my neighborhood with my camera and really hadn't planned on doing this. The opportunity just presented itself with the sunflowers.
I like the effect but worry about the lens after what Linda said about scratching.🥴
Jim-Pops wrote:
I like the effect but worry about the lens after what Linda said about scratching.🥴
Canned compressed air should solve any problem but I would be careful about wiping the lens.
Your distortion via point of view - creative focus technique will go into my lens technique toolbox. Your work continues to be a tribute to you.
For those who are concerned about the lens contacting the subject, in this case, a flower having soft color, well lenses clean well, a little spit, and your shirttail. On the serious side, yes a UV filter is tough and semi expendable. As is shown by kenievans, the result is well worth the risk.
Very cool results. You continue to venture into different techniques. Keep the journey going.
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