The Rebel Challenge #22 "Bokeh"

[kent andersen]

This time it is a technical thing to compete on. One of the basics of photography is to experiment with blured backgrounds. The subject this time is therefore "Bokeh".

Since this is the Rebel Challenge, I just post some basics on this theme. I hope that none of those that knows what bokeh is takes it personally that I do a basic explenation of bokeh. I make this explenation for those beginners out there that would like to join the competition, and don't know all the photo terminology. One of the good things with the competition is that we can learn alot from eachother, and let beginners test out their skills. Take a look here to get what this weeks challenge is about: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh
or here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=93122&highlight=bokeh or here:: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=714764&highlight=bokeh+how+to+do+blur

Have a nice week, and lots of fun with youre camera!!!

Submissions end Sunday November 22th at 11:59PM .est (unless a mod changes it)
Submissions will be open to anyone with a Digital Rebel Camera (Rebel/300d, XT/350d, XTi/400d, XS/1000d, XSi/450d, T1i)

Rules:
*Must be shot with Canon Rebel
*Must be shot during this time frame, November 15th - November 22th
*Must provide Exif data
*Only one pic per person
*Submissions must be posted in this thread by November 22th at 11:59PM est.
*Voting will begin November 23th, and is open to anyone on the forum and close on Friday that week.
*Winner will choose topic for the following week's challenge.

If you have any questions regarding the challenge, let's discuss it here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=671127

Please do not discuss/comment photos until after the submission deadline.

[kent andersen]

If it is still unclear what "bokeh" is, this is an example of a photo that is NOT a winning picture this time:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3970360912_730ddc74b5_b.jpg

Why is it NOT a winning picture this time. Becouse it is sharp all the way (with exception from the stones at the right front of the picture). Taken with 18mm tv: 1/200 f20. (I am lucky to live close to this cind of beautiful mountain).

Here is an example showing whats wanted this time:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/4065562427_421cd6eda2_b.jpg

This picture has a blured background, but the main motive sharp. Taken with 50mm 1/200 f5.6. So what to do here is, put youre camera on f5.6 or less, and find something to shoot, and the closer you get the easier it is to get a nice bokeh.

[soliwit]

Good job kent!
Only one remark: time frame from november 15 to oktober 22 is not really going to work, or it must be you want people to participate for almost a year ;)

[kent andersen]

Yea, one year is mybe a bit long.

I read that text several times to avoid that... and still I missed it.

[KandJinIN]

naw... perfect time frame... maybe some of us who are inconsistent could finally find sometime to shoot. lol.. thankfully.. if I can get it processed I think I already have my shot.. we shall see though

[kiwichris]

Yea, one year is mybe a bit long.

I read that text several times to avoid that... and still I missed it.

So did I and I only speak English, not 2 or 3 languages.

[bdbox]

Camera Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Image Date: 2009:11:15 15:05:44
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 50.0mm
CCD Width: 5.16mm
Exposure Time: 0.011 s (1/90)
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO equiv: 200
Exposure Bias: -1.00
White Balance: Auto
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)

http://www.cctvdiy.com/upload/IMG_8645.jpg

[DYORD]

Just want to add tips for this challenge...

1. Use the widest aperture as possible. (you can achieve this even with your kit lens)

2. Get closer to the subject as much as your focus can. (to blur the background more)
- if you want to blur the foreground, get closer to the foreground.

This is my example of a bokeh shot using 18mm f3.5 - (THIS IS NOT MY ENTRY)

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk291/DYORD/Photography/IMG_5411.jpg

[sr20ser]

Camera Make: Canon
Camera Model: XSi
Focal Length: 50mm
Exposure Time:1/1600
f stop: f/1.8
ISO: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 step
White Balance: Auto
Metering Mode: Pattern
Exposure Program: Manual
*Date Taken: 11/17/2009 1:34pm

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab143/boosted_mx5/Photography/Bollard1.jpg

[kiwichris]

Great to see the new folk taking part :)

[plusnq]

Here's one of my daughter

Canon Rebel 450D
EF 85mm LII USM
1/4000
F1.2
ISO 400
Date 19 Nov 2009
Time 16:53

Cheers

Shane

[will-san]

Hi new people. So glad to see fresh faces. Don't forget to post Metadata and the date taken.

[plusnq]

Hi new people. So glad to see fresh faces. Don't forget to post Metadata and the date taken.

Apologies. Amended post.

Cheers

Shane

[KandJinIN]

"Squirrel Feast"

It's harvest time, and in our local park, as you can see.. the farmers are not the only ones who have been harvesting the corn...

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tqgN_YxtbQ0/SwYXruIi3pI/AAAAAAAAASc/UllsGeJmI_I/s800/Squirrel%20Food.JPG

Camera Model Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Shooting Date/Time 11/19/2009 2:35:37 AM
Shooting Mode Manual Exposure
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/320
Av( Aperture Value ) 2.8
Metering Mode Center-Weighted Average Metering
ISO Speed 400
Lens EF50mm f/1.8
Focal Length 50.0 mm
AF Mode One-Shot AF

[DYORD]

"My workstation"
been really busy.. so I brought my camera at work.

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk291/DYORD/Photography/my_workstation.jpg

Make : Canon
Model : Canon EOS 450D
Software : Adobe Photoshop CS2 Windows
DateTime : 2009:11:20 02:53:17
Copyright : Paul Arrojado
Sub Information
ExposureTime : 1/160Sec
FNumber : F2.2
ExposureProgram : Manual
ISOSpeedRatings : 1600
ExifVersion : 0221
DateTimeOriginal : 2009:11:16 17:22:00
DateTimeDigitized : 2009:11:16 17:22:00
ShutterSpeedValue : 1/160Sec
ApertureValue : F2.2
ExposureBiasValue : EV0.0
MaxApertureValue : F1.8
MeteringMode : Partial
Flash : Not fired(Compulsory)
FocalLength : 50.00(mm)
ExifImageWidth : 900
ExifImageHeight : 600
ExposureMode : Manual
WhiteBalance : Manual

[tkbslc]

Haven't played for a long time, but here it goes:

Xylophone with a bit of film effect processing:
408252


Rebel XS
Sigma 30mm f1.4
ISO 200
f/2.0
1/125
Nov 17, 2009

[athrasher]

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/1033/bokeh.jpg

Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T1i
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 18 mm (kit lens)
ISO Speed: 1600
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[kent andersen]

Bad weather at copenhagen airport

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/4125884506_0e07f1de24_b.jpg

Aufnahmedatum/-zeit
18.11.2009 14:39:03
Tv(Verschlusszeit)
1/60Sek.
Av(Blendenwert)
F10
Messmodus
-
Belichtungskorrektur
0
Filmempfindlichkeit (ISO)
800
Objektiv
-
Brennweite
135,0 mm
EOS 400D

[soliwit]

little beauty

Camera Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi
Image Date: 2009:11:22 17:52:07
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 179.0mm
CCD Width: NaNmm
Exposure Time: 0.020 s (1/50)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO equiv: 400
White Balance: Auto
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
Photographer: Ghislaine

[scorpioarun]

My take for this week's challenge....

408703


Model = Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Exposure Time = 1/100 sec
F Number = 2.800
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 200
Original Create Time = 2009:11:22 20:23:13
Focal Length = 63 mm

[kiwichris]

Simple Elegance

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/4127023226_5886ea0224_o.jpg

File Name IMG_3805.CR2
Camera Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Firmware Firmware 1.1.1
Shooting Date/Time 11/22/2009 5:28:16 PM
Owner's Name Christopher Way
Shooting Mode Aperture-Priority AE
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/160
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation +2/3
ISO Speed 100
Lens EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Focal Length 50.0mm
Image Size 3888x2592
Image Quality RAW
Flash On
Flash Type Built-In Flash

[chopper5654]

This was a fun challenge! I had bokeh tattooed on my mind the whole week. I had a shot with Christmas lights in mind, but had to wait until some people put theirs up and turned them on. Well, ok, I put mine up and turned them on FOR the challenge...lol. The moon came out pretty crisp for being handheld, too. Hope you like......I do....A LOT!! Good luck to all this week.


CHRISTMAS BOKEH
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4127205518_4ab459dc26_b.jpg

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 179 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[kiwichris]

ok I'll start the ball rolling for votes.

Plusnq, it is georgeous.

[kent andersen]

difficult choice this time (as always)... I stand between chopper, scorpiarun, tkbslc and plusnq.

I go for chopper. I have no good reason to pick that one instead of the others, except that in his picture it is only the bokeh that makes the picture. I wish I could have made all of them winner.

[tkbslc]

So everyone votes? I can't remember the rules.

Assuming I get a vote, I pick kent andersen. THe raindrops really grabbed my attention with their shapes and patterns, and the more I study the picture the more interesting the blurry airport scene becomes. The light poles above the plane grabbed my attention as well as the color patches of the airplane. The exposure really says "depressing day waiting for my flight". Well done.

honorable mention to Dyord. Way to make an extremely interesting photo out of almost nothing. Love the color and highlight blur orbs

[chopper5654]

i will vote for DYORD, too. my interpretation of this challenge was to make the bokeh the subject, not depth of field.

even though we have a crisp, albeit boring, glass pretending to be the subject, the REAL subject is the girl in the b/g.....and she is bokeh'd perfectly. we can see her, but we can't.

genius shot, dyord!

[chopper5654]

since the submissions are over, here is a tail-light shot i grabbed in a parking garage that i thought made super cool designs all thanks to bokeh...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4126430899_3cf882ee4c.jpg

and

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4127203620_d47dd7f06b.jpg

[DYORD]

hey chopper.... thanks for the vote... but that should not be counted. The pic of a glass with my girlfriend is just my example of what bokeh is, not my real entry. My real entry is the pic of my workstation at my office. You can vote for that if you like it! :P

Anyway, you can vote again.

[soliwit]

I am debating between kiwi and scorpio.............dang hard
I like how simple the pattern is in kiwi's picture......
But I guess I vote for scorpio, since his is so different, I like it how the nose is almost invisible and where it became part of the background, so there it is, I made the decision

[chopper5654]

hey chopper.... thanks for the vote... but that should not be counted. The pic of a glass with my girlfriend is just my example of what bokeh is, not my real entry. My real entry is the pic of my workstation at my office. You can vote for that if you like it! :P

Anyway, you can vote again.

i read that, i just have such a short term memory...lol.

standing by my original principles (like i have any), i will shift my vote to KENT. again, i am looking for shots that arent dof challenges, but shots where the bokeh'd background/foreground BECOMES the subject. sort of "reverse focus."

although, all the dof type shots are very, very good indeed. i love scorp's. and, i love the xylophone, too.

[scorpioarun]

Great shots everybody...
Yaey I got a vote..Soliwit, thanks for that and others for liking my shot :) . I had many shots for the challenge this week....enough to create a new photostream in flickr..!

Chopper5654..getting a moon shot like that hand held..wow..superb capture with the colorful foreground. KiwiChris's simple elegance was neat...Beautiful shot by Soliwit but I would have liked to see more detail on the flower(probably the compression factor had it's toll there! ) ..athrasher's clever take on Bokeh..the details of the rain drops in Kent's shot..tkbslc's beautiful colours on the xylophone..Dyord's shot...I can go on with everybody's shot ..! and one shot was an instant hit for me, it was plusnq's beautiful capture of his cute daughter..everything about the shot worked for me ..so my vote to Plusnq.

[plusnq]

Thx for the kind words. Great set of shots. I liked them all. My vote goes to chopper's moon shot with the coloured bokeh foreground.

Cheers

Shane

[ducklabdad]

With "bokeh" being the theme here I have to go with "plusnq" getting my vote, there were some neat shots but I felt his was the best example of that theme specifically.

Hope I am back where I can get in the mix again real soon!! Work really gets in the way some time!!

[DYORD]

My vote goes to bdbox... though, so many great entries this week.. I liked how the way he played the dof in the patterns.

[kiwichris]

Well seems voting has stopped, Plusnq gets the win to my count, so he can set up a new challenge :)

Congrats Shane on a mighty pic, congrats tp the others as well it was close, Plusnq only one point ahead of chopper and kent, who were a vote ahead of Bdbox and Scorpio. A good challenge indeed.

[kent andersen]

I agree on that. Congratulation Plusnq!!! A great shot.
I am looking forward to the next challenge.

[ckort]

Congrats to Plusnq! That was a great shot! I've been soooo busy lately and I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things here again. Good job done by all ;).

[soliwit]

congrats !!!!!!! this was a nice challenge! UP to the next one!!!! :-)
Oh and happy turkey day my challenge buddies!

[tkbslc]

Really liked a lot of the shots this time. Congrats plusnq!

[bdbox]

Congratulation Plusnq! Great shots everyone.

[chopper5654]

Congrats to Plusnq! Woot! Yeah, my turkey was gooooooood, too.

[scorpioarun]

Congratulations Plusnq !