Bokeh is a Japanese word that refers to the subjective visual impression of the out of focus areas of an image. Just because bokeh isn't objectively measurable doesn't mean it's BS, but there's certainly been a lot of BS written about it. What imaging characteristics contribute to beautiful bokeh? What kind of lenses that are most likely to be "bokeh monsters?"? Which vintage and contemporary lenses should bokeh fanatics go for? Just ask me and I'll give you my arrogant but educated opinions-🙂
The Great Bokeh Controversy: Snare or Delusion?
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Michael Markey
Veteran
Lovely image ...I am not sure my hit rate is terrific either. 🤣
I can frequently see an image but I far less often actually get the image that I envisaged especially when shooting with manual focus lenses. One "trick" I often have to keep reminding myself of is to keep looking through the viewfinder when "on the hunt" rather than keeping the camera at my waist. I have found it's far easier to envisage a potential image when doing this. Also, as I often take very "busy" street photos this helps me as there is less delay in seeing and capturing. Too often I see a shot coming together (an interesting subject or composition) and then by the time I have brought the camera to my eye the moment has passed as someone steps into frame or the potential subject suddenly changes position or suddenly does something unaesthetic, or whatever. Having the camera in position helps a lot in that regard but the real benefits is in seeing the shot - I think its due to the way the finder frames the subject that helps in this.
This is one I have always been pleased with - mainly due to its composition. It has Rule of Thirds, Rule of Odds, good subject sharpness and separation, good relationship between the main subject and the position of the other two groups. And it was due to me being prepared by having my eye at the viewfinder. Looking for scenes. A fraction of a second later, the composition had gone. Taken with a Pentax 135mm f3.5 (M version) It's a nothing photo really but it pleases me because I know how fleeting the scene was and I kind of like the result. (Bokeh nothing special though and the small amount of green fringing is annoying - could have dealt with it in post but somehow did not). As usual with me, I have fiddled with it in post so make of it what you will - it's not a "pure" example of a SOOC image that many here seem to prefer. My bad.
Street Composition by Life in Shadows, on Flickr