#swirly bokeh

[capturing-earths-beauty]

Springtime in a Seattle neighborhood. Photographed with a vintage Helios 58mm ƒ2 lens to create the soft glow.

Photography by Shel Celeste shelceleste.com Select prints available in my shop! Contact me if you’d like a print that isn’t available.

[allanodyne]

We all know what's the end of this route

by AllanOdyne

[mrderelict]

Otto, morning activities.

[gunzzel]

Soviet era lenses: Helios 44M

[calochortus]

I've got a bike by Konrad Niechwiej Via Flickr: Sony A7 + Helios 44M-4

[yumem]

Spring swirly.

Taken on March 31, 2023.

[capturing-earths-beauty]

And here is the amazing loaf my wife baked!! It smelled so lovely. We ate it with a fresh salad with some herbs from our balcony garden.

@sunflower-spirit my love!

“I wanna post this smell on Tumblr and brag!” -my wife about the chive bread I’m baking

[motherfuckingcat]

[talkingtothetallman]

Swirls, adapters, film, and other stuff

Hi-ho! It's been awhile. Life has been busy to say the least! Christmas is here in the cold whirlwind that is December, and with it the icy windshields, low-hanging frigid mist, and the blasting of both the car heater and Christmas songs. But enough about what's been happening in life, let's talk about my newest hobby.

Vintage Lenses. Oh yeah, the good stuff.

Years ago in July of 2019, I purchased a Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 from a swap meet for $10-15. I looked up what it would take to use on my Sony a7iii, and turns out it was a little metal adapter that cost about the same. Pretty simple!

So that's where it started! I didn't really pursue anything else beyond it since, after all, they didn't have autofocus and weren't as convenient (or sharp) as modern glass. Just a fun little exploration into using old tech on the new stuff!

But a few months later, I watched a video about an infamous Russian lens, the Helios 44-2. Based on the Carl Zeiss Biotar lens design that they stole from the Germans during WWII, the Russians began pumping out their own version of the Biotar, the Helios 44 series, with the most recognizable one of the line being the aforementioned 44-2. Its signature? Producing a swirly effect to the bokeh (out of focus part of the image). And so being curious, I picked one up for under $50. And that swirl effect... yeah, it's pretty cool!

But still again, I didn't really pursue anything else beyond it. They were cool, no doubt about it, just not something that totally piqued my interest.

Flash forward nearly five years later, and it's safe to say that my interest has be piqued! I now have acquired eight lenses to my collection, and yes I most am certainly shopping of more, how nice you to ask!

Okay, so I know it’s not a lot at the moment. But that’s okay, because at the end of the day, they are just buckets of fun. Cliché as it may sound if you are a photographer like me, but having a more tactile experience while doing photography is really cool and rewarding. It isn't better, and it isn't somehow an elitist claim per say, but it’s still indeed pretty rad and adds an extra element to your photography, causing (or enabling, depending on how you want to look at it) you to slow down and take more time to make your images.

Speaking of taking more time, let's talk about good ol' 35mm film. For awhile now, I've had a hankering to at least try shooting a roll of film. It isn't a thing that a lot of my generation has experience with as digicams, point-and-shoots, and now smartphones, have been the photography experience for 95% of people my age. Nonetheless, film photography had this sense of mystery behind it, keeping your photos tucked away from you, often times for weeks, without you knowing how perfect that shot actually looks.... or more likely how you actually messed up and will be kicking yourself over it for the next few weeks! So naturally, when I had the opportunity to purchase a Minolta SRT-201 and a few lenses for $30 from a local on OfferUp, I went out and bought my first roll of film; some Kodak Portra 400, regarded by film enthusiasts as one of the great film stocks for about every kind of photography.

The next few weeks consisted of me filling up that roll and sending it off to Gelatin Labs in New Jersey to get developed and scanned into TIFFs for any further editing on my part. Not gonna lie, I was nervous for how they were going to turn out, especially since I was exposing the film based on a light meter app from iPhone (the one on the camera isn't functioning at the moment; would like to get it fixed). But they turned out beautiful! Aaaaaaand now I want to shoot more film lol

But yeah, this year has been a journey in terms of my photography career/passion! A lot of highlights (no pun intended) that I'm excited to reflect on as the weeks wind down in this year. My photo-a-day-lets-me-use-my-camera-okay?! challenge is going strong, and I've only missed a few days total this year. I'm looking forward to pouring over those photos, sharing them with you, and taking what learned this year into next year!

[capturing-earths-beauty]

Springtime rain, in the forest, green and grey, life is everywhere.

Carkeek park, Seattle, WA. Photographed with a vintage Helios 58mm ƒ2 lens to create the swirly bokeh.

I also have a video related to this photograph, of springtime scenes from around Seattle:

Photography by Shel Celeste shelceleste.com Select prints available in my shop! Contact me if you’d like a print that isn’t available

[iffoundreturntosea]

December 22, Day 356/357

Day 356 2015

Me & Hank after a good day!

#hankthehorse #hank #horse #equinetherapy #growth #building #picoftheday #project365 #day356

I've been wishing my confidence was higher lately and I remember to build that confidence I would put Hank on a lead and try to lead him to where I wanted to go. More often than not I struggled with my indecision and he felt that.

Day 357 2016

Momma's beautiful Christmas spools

#spools #handmade #christmas #red #green #shadesofjolly #december #picoftheday #project365 #day357

Day 356 2017

Second round of mini banana muffins in fun swirly colors!

#bananabread #muffins #bake #yummy #grandmasrecipe #checkered #circle #glassorb #throughthelookingglass #theupsidedown #december #picoftheday #project365 #day356

Day 356 2018

Single Parents for a good laugh!

#desperateforashottonight #theycantallbeamazing #thisshowishilarious #singleparents #tv #laugh #funny #pictureofapicture #tinybokehinthebackground #bokehlicious #bokeh #december #picoftheday #project365 #day356

Day 356 2019

Happy Saturnalia!

#celebrate #sparkle #beauty #love #share #glitter #holiday #greenandgold #green #gold #tree #christmastree #beadedtree #saturnalia #bemerry #december #december22 #2019 #nationalday #nationaldaycalendar #picoftheday #project365 #day356

Day 357 2020

It's the fun of the game

#carving #woodencarving #game #gamepieces #tictactoe #solitaire #shadow #blanket #texture #object #oneobject #december #december22 #2020 #picoftheday #project365 #day357

Day 356 2021

The perfect gift from my secret Santa

#justkeepswimming #mantra #cuff #bracelet #gift #itschristmastime #december #december22 #2021 #picoftheday #project365 #day356

Day 356 2022

Perfect filter for this girl. I made my eyes extra pathetic looking!

#me #sick #yaygerms #winter #christmastime #december #december22 #2022 #picoftheday #project365 #day356

This is what I get doing a 5k with all those people 😜

Day 356 2023

Feeling festive

#discoball #mirrors #light #reflection #plaid #festive #christmastime #party #friends #december #december22 #2023 #picoftheday #project365 #day356

Day 357 2024

Someone is trying to smoosh my bubbles!

#bubbles #dailytheme #beach #seafoam #foot #dontdoit #december #december22 #2024 #picoftheday #project365 #day357

Took the parents to hunt for anemones at the beach. Only saw a couple and they were difficult to reach but we still had fun!

[thequeensjester]

Rings of Power ➤ Season 2 Cinematography: Swirly Bokeh & Lens Distortion in Galadriel's Post-Fall Scene

There has been speculation on whose perspective is it at the start of Galadriel's post-fall scene. Considering Galadriel had her defining moment of the season by resisting Sauron, I think her post-fall scene is about Galadriel and the care for her by her friends.

The scene starts as an aerial shot with visible curved light and speckles. I think it's a straight forward establishing shot to let us know Galadriel's literal location. Then it zooms down to focus on her first, showing how vulnerable she is, before the others enter the frame.

Patrick McKay said it's a just cool shot (which it is) but I also think this effect shows the audience that Galadriel is in-between life and death. If Frodo had the low-opacity scene, I think this is Galadriel's version with swirly bokeh.

Bokeh is formed by light, distorted through a lens' imperfections. Sagittal astigmatism creates the swirled effect. ROP's director of photography, Alex Disenhof, has talked about the specific lenses he used on the show.

The swirly bokeh (actual term) is present when Galadriel is between light and death. I also think each moment we see a lens distortion (with or without bokeh), belongs to Galadriel's perspective.

I think this specific lens distortion is a barrel distortion, where the frame is bulges in the center.

There are also upside-down frames of her wounds and Gil-galad trying to heal her, mixed in with right-side up frames. This creates a jarring effect for the audience and breaks visual harmony in the scene. Compare that against the natural flow of the eyelines among Arondir, Gil-galad and Elrond.

There is also no swirly bokeh on Elrond, Gil-Galad and Arondir's close-ups but just regular bokeh in the background of their frames, created from a shallow depth of field.

Shallow focus separates the characters from its background, blurring it and can also create a bokeh effect. This allows us to focus on the characters' emotions; the urgency, the fear of loss and Elrond facing his moment of truth.

The repetition of the swirly bokeh and lens distortion is what ties the perspective to Galadriel. When she wakes up, we see a lens distortion on her close-up. Then we have the swirly bokeh around the trees. This is a first-person perspective of her coming to.

These effects are common in film and tv today and debated on its (over) use. However, I think it fits in Galadriel's context and a good use of visual storytelling.

credit: cap-that.com

[taylorprintssussex]

Revival of Vintage Lenses: The Latest Trend, Digital Photography

**Revival of Vintage Lenses: The Latest Trend in Digital Photography**

Welcome back to my digital photography blog! Today, we're diving into one of the most intriguing trends reshaping the photography landscape: the revival of vintage lenses. This trend blends the old with the new, offering photographers unique creative opportunities and distinctive visual styles. Let's explore why vintage lenses are making a comeback and how you can incorporate them into your photography toolkit.

### The Allure of Vintage Lenses

#### Unique Optical Characteristics

One of the primary reasons photographers are drawn to vintage lenses is their unique optical qualities. Unlike modern lenses, which are designed to minimize flaws and produce clinically sharp images, vintage lenses often have imperfections that add character to photos. These can include:

- **Soft Focus:** Many vintage lenses produce a softer image, particularly at wider apertures. This can give portraits a dreamy, ethereal quality.

- **Swirly Bokeh:** Certain vintage lenses, like the Helios 44-2, are famous for their distinctive bokeh patterns, which can add an artistic touch to backgrounds.

- **Chromatic Aberration:** While generally considered a flaw, chromatic aberration (color fringing) can sometimes enhance the aesthetic of an image, giving it a unique look that modern lenses typically avoid.

#### Build Quality and Aesthetic

Vintage lenses are often built with metal bodies and manual focus rings, providing a tactile shooting experience that many photographers find satisfying. The craftsmanship of these lenses is typically robust, and their classic design adds a nostalgic aesthetic to your camera setup.

### Adapting Vintage Lenses to Modern Cameras

#### Lens Mount Adapters

To use vintage lenses on modern digital cameras, you'll need a lens mount adapter. These adapters are readily available for most camera and lens combinations. Here’s how to choose the right adapter:

- **Compatibility:** Ensure the adapter matches both your lens mount and camera mount. Popular mounts include M42, Canon FD, and Nikon F for lenses, and Sony E, Canon EF, and Micro Four Thirds for cameras.

- **Quality:** Invest in a good-quality adapter to ensure a secure fit and to avoid light leaks. Brands like Fotodiox and Metabones are known for their reliable adapters.

Manual Focus and Exposure

Most vintage lenses are manual focus, which can be a learning curve for those used to autofocus. However, this can also be an advantage, as it encourages more deliberate and thoughtful composition. Many modern cameras have focus peaking and magnification features to assist with manual focusing.

Additionally, vintage lenses often lack electronic contacts, meaning you’ll need to adjust exposure settings manually. This includes setting the aperture on the lens and adjusting shutter speed and ISO on your camera.

Creative Benefits of Using Vintage Lenses

Enhanced Storytelling

The unique characteristics of vintage lenses can enhance storytelling by imparting a distinctive mood or atmosphere to your images. For instance, the soft focus and warm colour rendition of a vintage lens can evoke nostalgia or romance, making it perfect for portraiture and lifestyle photography.

Experimentation and Learning

Using vintage lenses can reinvigorate your creative process. The need to manually focus and set exposure slows down the shooting process, encouraging more thoughtful composition and a deeper understanding of photographic principles.

Cost-Effective Quality

Many high-quality vintage lenses are available at a fraction of the cost of modern equivalents. This allows photographers to expand their lens collection and experiment with different focal lengths and styles without breaking the bank.

Popular Vintage Lenses to Explore

- **Helios 44-2 58mm f/2:** Known for its swirly bokeh and sharp central focus, this Soviet-era lens is a favorite among portrait photographers.

- **Canon FD 50mm f/1.4:** This lens offers excellent sharpness and beautiful background blur, making it ideal for portraits and low-light photography.

- **Minolta Rokkor 58mm f/1.2:** Renowned for its build quality and pleasing bokeh, this lens is a great choice for those looking to experiment with shallow depth of field.

Conclusion

The revival of vintage lenses in digital photography is more than just a trend; it's a movement that celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of past generations. By integrating these classic lenses into your modern workflow, you can achieve unique optical effects, enrich your creative process, and produce images with a distinctive charm that sets your work apart.

So, dig out that old lens from your attic or visit a second-hand camera store, grab an adapter, and start exploring the endless

 creative possibilities that vintage lenses offer. Happy shooting!

[niceladyproductions]

Best Tokina Cine Lenses: Full Frame Vista Primes

You know as well as I do there are a lot of cinema lenses on the market, particularly now that we are in 2024.

So why consider the Tokina Cinema Vista Primes? My video review includes LOTS of footage to showcase just how amazing these lenses are. I think of Tokina lenses as having character while still being sharp. The Vista Primes have no focus breathing, beautiful flare characteristics, are fast at a T 1.5, have interchangeable lens mounts and can cover Vista Vision size sensors. Tokina Vista Primes come in focal lengths between 18mm - 180mm, so they really are a complete set.

Tokina has released a second set of these lenses called Vista-P with reduced contrast, swirly bokeh and a look that better reflects a set of vintage lenses. The plus of the P series is they are modern in physical design, so you get the vintage look but in a lens body that is easier for professional focus pullers and cinematographers to use than vintage lenses that might have challenging physical characteristics.

Enjoy the review and if you're interested in these awesome lenses use the coupon code CONLIN10 and save 10% off! Tokina Cinema lenses and filters through their USA store https://bit.ly/3RMnms4

[jorgenguldmann]

Helios-40-1: You can't judge a cult lens based on its numbers

I am generally bored with lens reviews; I think it’s because the optics have become so good that I cannot tell them apart. However, there is one lens that I return to, as it gives me a wonderfully dreamy and romantic impression along with a swirly bokeh. I am, of course, referring to the true king of bokeh, the legendary Helios 85mm F1.5 lens. Selecting a piece of heavy, manual glass like this…

[awaybyrail]

but on the positive side the photos you take of the armed police shooting you can have swirly bokeh

Opinions on the Zenit Photosniper?

they’re calling it ‘a great way to get shot by armed police’