Sharpness Is Not Always Wanted or Needed
Oct 14, 2017 08:37:12 #
In my opinion this image would not convey the mood as well if it were sharp.
Oct 14, 2017 08:41:11 #
Oct 14, 2017 08:41:41 #
Oct 14, 2017 08:45:25 #
No complaints from me. Aging Hollywood actresses also prefer less than perfect sharpness.
Oct 14, 2017 08:49:32 #
You know, sharpness today seems to be an obsession among many photographers. Very often we see newbies asking for the "sharpest" and "best" lens for their camera. For the majority of them it is hard to understand that sharpness depends a lot on the operator, not necessarily the camera or lens. Many want to learn composition before they learn how to expose the subject.
In this photograph the plane of sharpness is in the background and I am sure you used a wide aperture because the light level seems to be pretty low. I am not going to make any comments regarding the mood of the photograph, it is your image and you make your own interpretation.
About depth of field my feelings are that I would have preferred to have it in focus if it was mine.
In this photograph the plane of sharpness is in the background and I am sure you used a wide aperture because the light level seems to be pretty low. I am not going to make any comments regarding the mood of the photograph, it is your image and you make your own interpretation.
About depth of field my feelings are that I would have preferred to have it in focus if it was mine.
Oct 14, 2017 08:59:04 #
joer wrote:
In my opinion this image would not convey the mood as well if it were sharp.
Yup, exactly. In the film days some fashion / portrait photographers would put Vaseline on a (UV) filter to soften up a model's skin. I've printed through panty-hose on an enlarger lens to soften Panatomic-X or Plus-X negatives. These days we can even soften things after the fact with digital filters in our PP software.
Oct 14, 2017 09:01:21 #
I think sharpness is over-done. As said, depends upon the scene - if following your eye, only what you focus on, whether near or far is sharp - all else is fuzzy. For a landscape or panorama I want sharp through out because one want to look at the whole scene as if there. So, again, as said - sharpness depends upon the scene. And, to me, the outline of what you look at is very seldom as precise as can be made with a #5 lead, makes it look unreal
Oct 14, 2017 09:04:50 #
I agree with you. The whole sharpness thing is way, way over rated. Sure, it's good to have sharp lenses but exactly how sharp is necessary?! I read reviews and commentary on lenses and it's almost always this lens is a bit sharper than that lens at this or that focal length. Personally I honestly don't care if I can see the texture in brick at 50 feet, but to the my dog is bigger than your dog crowd, I guess even the smallest detail is important. Sure, they're dog may be bigger than my dog, actually have two if that matters, but mine probably cost more than many...
Oct 14, 2017 09:28:48 #
In this case you are right.
joer wrote:
In my opinion this image would not convey the mood as well if it were sharp.
Oct 14, 2017 09:49:17 #
Oct 14, 2017 09:54:39 #
Oct 14, 2017 09:59:29 #
camerapapi wrote:
You know, sharpness today seems to be an obsession... (show quote)
There's a reason why they make soft focus filters
Oct 14, 2017 10:03:43 #
rborud
Loc: Minnesota
joer wrote:
In my opinion this image would not convey the mood as well if it were sharp.
I also agree with joer in that sharpness is not the primary item on my list. I do remember very many years ago spending a couple lunch less weeks to buy a Ziess Softar +1 filter for the fashion work I was starting in those days. Still have it and occasionally use it, it was truly magic. I gave softness that still looked sharp, go figure!
RBorud
Oct 14, 2017 20:22:13 #
joer wrote:
In my opinion this image would not convey the mood as well if it were sharp.
You are right, not every photo needs the same treatment; that is fun shot!
Oct 15, 2017 07:29:10 #
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