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Learn DSLR Photography

Gimme Some Bokeh

October 14, 2020 by Mary Buck

bo·keh

/bōˈkā/

noun

Photography

noun: bokeh

  1. the visual quality of the out-of-focus areas of a photographic image, mostly as rendered by a particular lens.
  2. “a quick, visual survey of the foreground and background bokeh of a variety of lenses.”

Creating a bokeh in a photographic image is a technique that can have a positive impact on an image.

Bokeh is also known as a shallow depth of field, selective focus, or a blurring background. This process helps define the subject, and the remainder of the image becomes a negative space.

What are the three methods of creating a bokeh?

First, the most commonly used method is choosing a wide aperture: the wider the aperture (2.8 is wider than 5.6), the greater the blur. If you are interested in achieving a creamy background, choose a lens and aperture to give you the best results. Below are examples of images that illustrate the effect.

Notice the amount of blur and f/2.8 and lack of it starting at f/8

The second method for creating a bokeh is choosing a long focal length lens. The focal length is defined in millimeters, and The longer the focal length, the narrower the angle of view, and the higher the magnification. The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle of view, and the lower the magnification. For example, if you have a 70-300mm lens, the longer focal length of 300mm will provide a more noticeable bokeh than a focal length of 70mm. Below are examples of a 200mm focal length, a 400mm focal length, and a 600mm focal length.

200mm lens f/4
400mm lens f/5.6
600mm at f/4

The third method is the proximity to the subject. The closer the camera is to the subject, the blurrier the background will be. This procedure can present a focus issue, so make sure you use your single AF points.

Not sure what AF Points are? Check out my online courses and private lessons.

Filed Under: Blog posts, Landscape Photography, Learn DSLR Photography, Photography Tips

Private Photography Lessons

June 8, 2015 by Mary Buck

Filed Under: Blog posts, Learn DSLR Photography

Search Engine Optimization for Your WordPress Website

January 28, 2015 by Mary Buck

search engine optimizationLearn Search Engine Optimization with this Online Course

Description: Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of affecting the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine’s “natural” or un-paid (“organic”) search results. SEO can be accomplished much more easily when it is set up correctly. Included in this online course are eleven videos (approximately 55 minutes) that show you how to optimize your WordPress Website for the best organic search results. Sure you can pay someone big bucks, but having the framework in place will save time and money. Each video shows you how to optimize your site with live screenshots, using the latest version of WordPress.  This course was created for the creative professional who is a DIY kind of person. I took the entire course and found it very easy to follow along. I implemented many of the SEO tasks into my sites. The only thing I wish is that I would have known the steps while I was building my site. The course “Search Engine Optimization for your WordPress Website” is offered for only $29.

Includes eight BONUS VIDEOS on how to create YouTube videos to increase your SEO and your brand awareness.

For more information and to register for the SEO course click here.

For more information on DSLR photography check out the online course.

To view the camera store visit Buck Camera and Photo.

To view my portrait photography site visit Lightscapes Portrait Studio.

To view my fine are photography site visit Message in a Petal.

Filed Under: Blog posts, Learn DSLR Photography

Learn How to Build a WordPress Website

January 26, 2015 by Mary Buck

WordPressStudio 2.8 Learning Center is now offering non-photography related online courses. The first one how to learn the most popular content management website in the world – WordPress. How to Build a WordPress Website teaches you step-by-step how to set up a website or blog with easy to follow along video lessons on a single topic. You can actually build your own website as you follow along. Best of all, there is no coding or technical experience needed. Of course, if you do know HTML and CSS you can customize your site. (we do not cover that is this course). WordPress is a good platform for photographers, realtors, or just about any profession. This is a great course for a DIY kind of person. The course is offered for only $59 and you can register for it here.

For more information on DSLR photography check out the online course.

To view the camera store visit Buck Camera and Photo.

To view my portrait photography site visit Lightscapes Portrait Studio.

To view my fine are photography site visit Message in a Petal.

Filed Under: Blog posts, Learn DSLR Photography

Private Photography Lessons

September 15, 2014 by Mary Buck

lonely deer Private Photography LessonsIf you are feeling this way with photography I can help with private photography lessons. With over 35 years of experience with SLR cameras (both film and digital) I can guide you in just about any area of photography. I provide private photography lessons in the Atlanta area for amateur photographers or those who are thinking of going pro. My areas of specialty are lighting, manual mode, composition, and Photoshop. I can also teach the beginner level course one-on-one if you are new to digital SLR photography. My style of teaching is very hands-on so will learn by doing. My hours are flexible and my rates are hourly or daily.  Studio 2.8 Lightscapes Photography Learning Center is located in Duluth GA. For more information call (770) 623-1040.

For more information on DSLR photography check out the online course.

To view my portrait photography site visit Lightscapes Portrait Studio.

To view my fine are photography site visit Message in a Petal.

 

Filed Under: Blog posts, Learn DSLR Photography Tagged With: best photography courses, courses in photography, photography courses online, private photography lessons

Sunset Pictures at the Beach

August 11, 2014 by Mary Buck

Sunset in Destin Sunset Pictures at the BeachThe Golden Hour in Destin

One of my favorite places to go is Destin in the Florida Panhandle. I recently visited the area for a vacation mixed with business and pleasure. The photo on the left is part of the pleasure.  It was taken right before sunset. This time of day is known as the “Golden Hour” as you can see from the photograph.  The Golden Hour is a fallacy however, because it really only lasts about 10 minutes. I love the image because not only does it capture the golden hour, it also shows foreground and texture. What’s a walk at the beach without a camera?  It is like milk without cookies.

For more information on DSLR photography check out the online course.

To view my portrait photography site visit Lightscapes Portrait Studio.

To view my fine art photography site visit Message in a Petal.

Filed Under: Blog posts, Learn DSLR Photography Tagged With: digital slr camera, natural light photography, sunset photos

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