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Wm. Bates | all galleries >> Picture a Day for a Year of Wanda Gallery >> Click here for Wanda In July Gallery > Wanda07_15_04a.jpg
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15-JUL-2004

Wanda07_15_04a.jpg

I'm still playing with the Canon 135mmf/2.8 Soft Focus lens. I haven't decided if I like softening the image with this lens or just doing it with Photoshop. Only time will tell.

We had a nice dinner out on the back patio this evening. Good wine, good food and good friends is what makes life worth living.

It did take awhile to get everyone comfortable while I clicked images. They did get comfortable but were concerned my dinner was getting cold. It didn't and was fine. Of the 20 or so photos I like this one best.

Canon EOS 10D ,Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus
1/79s f/3.2 at 135.0mm iso400 with Flash full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Wm. Bates11-Feb-2005 05:26
The only thing I really didn't like about this image was the fact that you can't see the color of My eyes. It was getting kind of dark by the time I got home that evening, so I guess I can't really complain. (but I will cuz I am female!) (grin)

Wanda
Steve Patterson16-Jul-2004 12:20
I also agree with the previous comments. This looks too soft to me, especially the eyes as Howard stated. Sharp Wanda, soft surroundings would have been better to my eye. But it sure looks like a perfect evening........
Guest 16-Jul-2004 11:47
Great choice of wine ...

I love the Turning Leaf Zinfandel myself....

Great shot too .....
Howard Sandler16-Jul-2004 10:50
I agree with all the comments on the lens. To me, the soft focus effect on the face, particular the eyes, just makes the image look unsharp. It's best to have sharp eyes at least, and soften the rest via Photoshop.
Ian Morehouse16-Jul-2004 10:38
Get the straight 135 f2 you won't regret it. The lens is brilliant even at f2. Then you can play with what ever software you like to get the desired effect.
Guest 16-Jul-2004 06:05
I agree -- the blur with the 135 does more to degrade the image than to enhance it. I would much rather do any blurring with PS. That way, you have control over the amount of blur and what parts you want to leave sharp. If you are using film, I can see why you might want a soft focus lens, but with digital, it's just too easy to do it in post processing.
Wm. Bates16-Jul-2004 05:58
John, I think I feel the same way. If I had shot this straight I might add some blur overall in a layer in photoshop but would have erased through her face to the sharp layer below. I'm thinking this is going to be one of those lenses I only use now and then. One good thing it is a very sharp with the softening off and it is small. My only other option for 135mm is the 70-200f/2.8 IS and it is a 3.5 lbs. tank.
John Buffin16-Jul-2004 05:15
I've never been comfortable with any blur effect in my personal images.
This is very nice, but I think blurring her face is doing her no justice at all.
Maybe something like the landscape shots you did of her from May and June would be a better arena for this lens.

Hope you all had a wonderful evening. =)