Bokeh: A Photographer’s Guide
As photographers, when we hear the word "bokeh", we probably already have a visual in our mind of its meaning. Since bokeh can be somewhat abstract and subjective, describing it can be difficult.
Nikon Z 40mm f/2 Review: Affordable and Surprisingly Useful
Despite a nearly two-year global supply chain shortage, Nikon has been making good on the company's promise to deliver a plethora of new lenses for the mirrorless Z system. Filling in most of the missing gaps from the F-mount lineup with greatly improved lenses, this time with a unique and affordable "in-between" focal length lens for everyday use, the $297 40mm f/2 Z.
Kolari EF to EOS R Drop-In Filter Adapter: Tons of Creative Options
A little over a year ago, Kolari Vision released its lineup of high-end and ultra-rugged drop-in filters for Canon's EF-to-RF mount adapter with a built-in filter slot, making the company the first to come to market for such a product. But does getting to market first make them any better than the competition? Is the price worth it?
Fujifilm Reveals the XF23mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens
Fujifilm has announced the new XF23mm f/1.4 R LM WR lens to its lineup of interchangeable XF lenses designed for the X Series family of mirrorless digital cameras.
Testing Macro Diffraction and Bokeh of the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
Shortly after taking delivery of the new Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens, I made a series of photographs to test its diffraction and bokeh characteristics using the 45MP Nikon Z 7II camera in a real-world situation.
LuminarAI’s Latest Update Adds AI-Powered ‘Portrait Bokeh’ Tool
Today, Skylum has released the fourth free update to the LuminarAI photo editing software since its initial launch in late 2020. This new update adds a new Portrait BokehAI tool along with several other features.
Drop-In Filters for Canon RF Adapter Add Swirly Bokeh to Any EF Lens
Kolari Vision has developed a filter that works with Canon's EF to RF adapter with support for drop-in filters that can add a swirly bokeh effect to any EF lens. This would theoretically let those who enjoy the unique bokeh of lenses like the Petzval 80.5mm or 55mm achieve that effect with any EF lens.
Petzval 55mm f/1.7 Review: A Lovely Lens For Pro or Creative Use
The $449 Petzval 55mm f/1.7 Mark II Bokeh Control Art Lens from Lomography is the first Petzval lens designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless camera systems like the Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Sony E. It's also fantastic.
Photographer Recreates Large Format Film Look with a Digital Camera
Ukrainian photographer Olexiy Shportun has created an image capture device that combines a digital camera with a system that resembles a large format film camera to produce dreamy, bokeh-rich still-life photos and portraits.
Petzval 80.5mm f/1.9 MKII Review: A Stunning Vintage-Style Lens
Just over a year ago, Lomography launched the 180th Anniversary Edition of the Petzval 80.5mm f/1.9 MKII Bokeh Control Art Lens which promised a bevy of improvements over its 85mm predecessor. It looked as though it would put a historic lens back in the hands in creatives at an affordable $549 price. So does it?
This Classic Lens Was Used For Army of the Dead’s Bokeh-Rich Shots
Filmmaker Zack Snyder reveals that the combination of an old lens mixed with his modern equipment allowed him to create the "dreamlike" and shallow depth of field sequences for his latest film, Army of the Dead.
Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO Review: So. Much. Bokeh.
Venus Optics' Laowa lenses have been growing in both notoriety and popularity over the last few years thanks to their nearly constant stream of new and interesting optics for a wide variety of mounts. The company's latest is backed by the high-quality promise of its new Argus line: the Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO for APS-C systems.
Why I Rarely Shoot Wide Open: How to Separate Subject from Background
There was a time when I would always shoot wide open, and it hurt my progress. The kit lens that came with my camera had a slow aperture, so getting blurry or creamy background was quite unusual unless the subject was close.
Photographer 3D Prints Wet Plate Photos to Create ‘Touchable Bokeh’
Photographer Markus Hofstätter had been designing parts for his cameras and 3D printing them at home when the idea to try something new struck him: 3D printing photographs. After a lot of trial and error, he successfully found a way to translate wet plate photos into 3D printed pieces.
How Bokeh Evolved and How Digital Photography Elevated it to Art
Bokeh is one of the most subjective aspects of photo or video. As Simon's Utak says in this 20-minute discussion on its history and how it is elevating digital photography into art, we as photographers can't even agree how to properly say the word.
Great Reads in Photography: December 27, 2020
Every Sunday, we bring together a collection of easy reading articles from analytical to how-to to photo-features in no particular order that did not make our regular daily coverage. Enjoy!
When Bokeh Isn’t Best: Appreciating a Deeper Depth of Field
Recently, the more I study my photographs, the more I feel that bokeh is cheating me out of a more substantial image. I really like photographs with a lot of visual complexity -- well presented, not chaotic, but a clear arrangement of multiple elements.
Five Lies New Portrait Photographers Believe That Hurt Professional Growth
In this 11-minute video, portrait photographer Miguel Quiles discusses five lies new portrait photographers believe that could hurt them professionally and curtail their growth as an artist.
The Lensbaby Spark 2.0 is a Bendy, Hose-Like Manual Focus Lens
Lensbaby is known for making unconventional lenses that create unusual defocused areas, and the Spark is no exception. The Spark 2.0 adds support for eight mounts, both DSLR and mirrorless, as well as 15 optics introduced since 2008.
Fujifilm Unveils XF 50mm f/1.0 Lens: The Fastest Fuji Lens Ever Made
After months of teasers and weeks of leaks and rumors, it's finally here. Fujifilm has unveiled the Fujinon XF 50mm f/1.0 WR—the fastest lens Fuji has ever made and the world's first f/1.0 autofocus lens for mirrorless cameras.