As a photographer or videographer, it is usually common practice to get the subject in focus when getting the shot. Many of us are always on the hunt for a cleaner and sharper image to provide clarity in our captures. We research which lenses are sharper, which lenses are faster, sometimes even rent a lens to get the look we want when we can’t afford to purchase it. It always just seems to get better and better as technology advances. The hunt for sharper images is exciting to us and the anticipation of new equipment as we save up our funds really shows how passionate we are about our craft.
…..but, sometimes sharpness isn’t necessary to tell the story you want to tell. There is a great mystery found in subjects that are out of focus. Just as heavy shadows provide a feeling, so does beautiful bokeh and softer details. The separation between focus and out of focus objects provides such a great feel of depth and perception within a two dimensional image. Even when there is not even one point in focus that feeling is conveyed. When all is out of focus there is a feeling of distance and a longing to reach what should be in focus.
Some objects are way more enticing when out of focus such as many different light sources when they create amazing bokeh and shapes. In my photograph above I originally wanted to capture the subject in focus walking away along the shoreline, but then I realized that I can create a better sense of fleeting and fading away into an unknown future by having the subject out of focus. Focusing on where he was and wondering where he is going really brings about the perception of the idea I wanted to reveal.
The subject in that photograph is actually my room mate, Mark. He has been fearful of the years to come since he is almost done with his studies. Not knowing if he will find work or where he will end up can be scary, but I know he will find comfort in the journey itself.
Like all of our lives, photography and video can be just as mysterious and shooting a subject out of focus can definitely help convey that in some way. I encourage you to lose focus once in a while and do something fun with your work. Make it a mystery.
Love it!
Thanks Shawn!
Create… therefore I am!
Absoluteley James! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
For some reason couldn’t “Like” the post (nor follow the blog). Oh well. Good article anyway. Soft focus and OOF photos can be pretty creative and often more interesting than images where everything is tack sharp. I guess Ansel Adams wouldn’t agree with me here :) But still, there is some magic in the play of light.
David, I saw that it says that you “liked” the post and it now says you are subscribed to the blog as well! There is beauty in sharpness as well, but sometimes we need to think outside the box to tell the story we want to be seen.
Yes, I managed to follow the blog eventually and like the post as well :) And yes, there is beauty in many things in photography and I think one of the best things in photography is the ability to experiment and also change your mind and techniques from project to project :)