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Originally Posted by Oski /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have to politely disagree. While looking at the world through utmost sharpness is one way to photograph. There's something to be said about intentional lack of focus/murkiness/blurryness that lends a dreamy abstract quality. I find actually that most pictures that are ultra sharp only really speak to the quality of the equipment and not necessarily the quality of the photographer. But it really is a different approach to the same art...it's like the difference between journalism and poetry.
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Thanks, Oski (and 65535 also). In many of the images I've been doing lately, I have been seeking a more "dreamy abstract quality" to my images. I finally got the Sigma 150 last week, and this is really the lens I've been looking for. The f/2.8 aperture really creates tremendous blur and bokeh, and 150 mm gives you a decent standoff distance. This replaces my beloved Canon FD 200 f/4 Macro, which I have missed dearly, but I just can't make myself shoot film.
I think both approaches are valid, and I do a lot of more traditional deep DOF images as well, mainly because the gear I was using for "macro" work was not suitable for the dreamy look. After a certain point, it sometimes becomes more of an act of recording the flower you saw, a documentary if you will. By using the shallow DOF technique, there is more mood and emotion in the image. You reveal more of the essence of the flower.
Now that I have the right lens, I was able to start experimenting with different techniques. And, now my backyard is a whole new world
(The first shot was taken last night in my backyard, in fact. This was shot at f/4.5, providing enough DOF to cover the blossom, but still keeping the background soft.)
BTW, I love the line about journalism and poetry.
