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Competition Results: "In /Out of Focus: Using Focus as a Compositional Device"

MEETING: Zoom

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30, for monthly competition results.

This month’s topic is "In /Out of Focus: Using Focus as a Compositional Device"

The topic is using focus – elements "In and Out of Focus" – as a compositional technique to emphasize, de-emphasize aspects of a scene. We’re not looking at fully out of focus images – that is distinctly different. Another term that is somewhat related includes – bokeh – a current trend with the fast maximum aperture lenses available to us today.

To achieve the desired effect, there are several factors at work:

  • Using a wide maximum aperture on your lens,

  • Using a normal to telephoto lens rather than a wide angle lens (typically).

  • Maximizing the distance between the subject and background/foreground.

You may find other techniques that will help you achieve a sharp subject, and an out of focus foreground or background.

Douglas Dubler, a New Yorker, has an extensive photographic career (now in his 70s), studying with Ansel Adams, having shot for European Vogue with 100s of cover images and close collaboration with companies in the fashion and cosmetic industries.

He has turned to more personal projects, and promoting a book just published on flower photography. We are hoping to schedule a program session with him.

You can review his work on the following websites.

https://www.instagram.com/douglasdubler/?hl=en
https://xposure.ae/douglas-dubler/
https://www.douglasdubler3.com

Later Event: August 24
Neighborhood Walk: Woodruff Place