Depth of field

One of the biggest differences between point-and-shoot and higher-end DSLRs is the handling of depth of field: the latter gives you much more flexibility to duplicate human vision by limiting the focus of the picture to a limited depth range:

Cut Wood

In this fashion, the resulting unsharpness speaks to the viewer’s emotions, as it is more “realistic.” Of course, Georges Merx Photography always strives to provide emotionally satisfying photographs.

Point of view

Sometimes, seeking out a new point of view will add flavor to a picture, give it a more dynamic nature, together with a slow shutter speed to capture the motion:

Groussgaass

Animals

With animals, it seems like pictures take themselves … they always do something interesting, even if it is just … well, see for yourself:

Horsepee

Is there credit for good fortune?

This perspective was handed to me on a silver platter …

Perspective

Smelly affection

Family Love

These siblings are very close, even though they smell pretty bad …

A little Photoshop CS4 post processing gives this shot an eery feeling.  Purist colleagues may abhor this type of manipulation, but this photographer’s views embrace this kind of extension.  What do you think?

(Nikon D-700, late dusk, zoom telephoto, monopod)

Birds, birds, birds … San Diego, CA

Distortions

Hwy 94 Bridge Just Past Campo

Not sure whether to accept the wide angle distortions on this shot – I guess, it’s a matter of taste and opinion ….

(Nikon D700 – wide angle zoom – stitched panorama – Adobe PS CS4)

Shaking

At 1/15th or 1/30th of a second exposure with a telezoom (without vibration reduction), it is nearly impossible to get a totally clear picture:

La Jolla Cove

What may look ok on the web page, won’t suffer a 13×19 print, despite smart-sharp filtering. 

What a shame, in this case in particular!

Yet anotherargument to invest in the top of line lenses with all the bells and whistles …

(Nikon d-700 at dusk at La Jolla Cove, CA)

Sneaking Up on Your Subject

Everywhere you go and look, someone is doing something photographable …

Especially around sunset time, people exhibit their emotions, their passions, and take a moment to reflect – a moment worth capturing on that high-res CCD.

A bit of voyeurism is simply a natural characteristic of any decent photographer – some indulgence from our subjects is always hoped for …

(Windansea, San Diego – D-700 – Tamron telephoto zoom)

Overload the Obvious

Sunset in Mission Bay, San Diego, CA

So you have a beautiful sunset picture – so what?

It helps tremendously to also have an interesting scene in the shadowy foreground: this overloading of interesting subjects takes your beautiful sunset to a new level of uniqueness. 

So always look for more than the obvious …