Hi!
So, you wonder what Tim might say? So do I ;-)
(I kind of wonder why you wonder, but that’s not important)
To answer that - you recently posted some photo(s) that related to the
same general motif... So I wanted to know your opinion as a fellow
"fallen leaves" shooter ;-).
There is something with soft focus on this kind of motif. For me, soft focus
has to be "realistic" to be successful. One example is imitating fog in a
rainy landscape.
That's most interesting thing, you've said, Tim. I never thought of
"realistic soft focus"... I shall have to ponder this a little. This is
indeed very deep observation... At least to me, right here, right now.
There are some exceptions from this "rule". Some romantic motifs can benefit
from a soft focus effect, especially in high key portraits. Soft focus can
also be an effective way to create spooky effects. The reason for this is
mainly that it is common; there is no logical reason for this.
What am I saying? Simply that I don't buy the soft effect here. I find it
rather disturbing :-(
I see... No, I wasn't going after "spooky". Absolutely not. I was after
that passing emotion, the feeling of change, the feeling of transition
between hot summer and cold winter...
Simply because I like the motif and the composition "under" the softness.
First I do like the background, it is delicate, and suits the leaves. (It is
opposite than my picture, I was going for contrast). I also do like the
colour variations in the leaves. The leaf I see as the main leaf is almost
fresh and green (in left part of frame). I also see some geometric patterns
suggested. There are six yellow leaves in a dice like pattern. (This isn't
quite correct. The upper left leaf isn't one, it is two leaves, but my brain
does see it as the sixth). The green main leaf also has a counterpoint in
right frame. All this makes it a very good composition, IMO.
Thanks. Ironically, this is just a bunch of leaves having fallen off the
tree(s) lying on the floor. This shot was taken inside Jerusalem
University campus where they have this rather special kind of
pavement... I am not sure what it is, but it is made of square blocks
that do look rather nice.
My very personal and un-humble opinion is that I hope you place that soft
lens where it belongs, on the top shelf. The shelf you rarely look at, the
one with a lot of dust ;-)
Unhumble is fine... I can take unhumble... I see your point. Although I
should say - I don't like an idea of my gear collecting dust on some
remote shelf, you know. If I see a piece of gear that I don't use and I
realize I may not use it in the future - I'd rather sell it, or even
give it away.
Conclusion?
Sorry, none. Can't decide.
Honest and brutal rant over.
You asked for it, didn't you ;-)
Absolutely. Your time is appreciated...
I should say that if this little photo of mine results in polar
opinions, it has just a little worth in it. Hmmm, unhumble again ;-).
I am definitely going to keep trying using this lens... I do like soft
focus every now and then...
Boris
