Focus 01

Little Freddie King

Here is something I'm posting for discussion. It is a digital photograph made without flash from about three feet away from the subject under available lighting in a small dark lounge. Hand held. ISO 200. The specific points for discussion that interest me: soft vs. sharp focus, i.e., when, if at all, can or does such a photograph 'work' ? Why or why not ? Do you have any examples of your own ?

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Permalink Reply by Nina Greipel on June 19, 2009 at 1:25am

It works when you, the creator, thinks it does. I mean photography is such a subjective field. Sure, there are "rules" not to be broken, but who is to say that this image needed SHARPNESS to be a GOOD image? If you want to appeal to the masses, then, yeah, maybe you would want a point of sharpness. Just because that's how our brain works. Like Michael said your eye wants to settle on something. But if it's meant as an artistic point of expression, I'd say anything works.

I actually like this image! It's abstract in a way that it gives it an artful look.
I've always been told photographers can show the viewer what he/she would otherwise not be able to see. That is especially true in areas that have limited access, but this is not what I mean here. You are showing the viewer what YOU are seeing (at least what you have envisioned in your creative mind.... your vision), and NOT the standard picture the viewer can see with their own eyes (the perfectly sharp, nicely lit scene in front of them). You are expressing what you want to say through your camera. And if you like it, then forget what others think!!

Personally, I think we get too caught up in the "perfect" image and forget to push our creative boundaries. I am getting a little bored looking, over and over again, at the same ole scene that someone shot - not.....that......much.....differently. It is refreshing to see a different angle or technique or whatever that makes the image stand out from all the rest.
I can think of a perfect example: I'm sure you all have seen the picture of the exchanging of the light bulb at the top of the Empire State Building made by Vicent LaForet. Vince had enough balls and drive to make that image stand out above the rest. He figured out a way to climb up to the very top of the building and shoot with a wide angle DOWN at the men exchanging the bulb. Looking at that picture it still makes my stomach turn, but, WOW, did it have an impact!!!

Ok, I'm stepping off my soapbox now. I hope you guys see what I mean.

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Permalink Reply by Charles Silver on June 19, 2009 at 8:04pm

Nina, thank you for your reply. I appreciate that you speak to the questions I raised regarding 'sharpness' and circumstances where, when and how images without it may work. Also, I totally agree with your statements "You (the photographer/artist) are expressing what you want to say through your camera. And if you like it, then forget what others think!!", and, "we get too caught up in the "perfect" image and forget to push our creative boundaries". IMO, that is exactly the right approach. And, yes, that LaForet photograph: stunning. Thanks again

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