Focal Point

A photographer friend, referring to another artist, commented that the

artist, like me, was not so concerned about things being in focus. I

don't think he intended this as an insult about my photography (I

don't think...). But he was right. I am fascinated with the juncture

of both - the degree to which things are in focus and not. Comments

and critique are appreciated.

I love this. First, the light is just right. Second, you captured both the chickadee and the titmouse at the perfect moment.  Third, this is a great example of DoF for someone like me who is just beginning to understand the concept.  The eye is in focus but traveling back the body, you can see his (or her...?) body start to blur just before the wing.  Very nice.

Renee

Hi Wayne,

  Wonderful creative image that only you could see.  Great work!! Take care, Patsy

Thanks, Renee, for stopping by, commenting and the bird names.  I am still learning about and exploring expressions of dof and bokeh. 

Thanks, Patsy.  I am "seeing" a little differently lately - with more attention to bokeh and allowing it more space on my palette.

Hi Wayne,

A fine result from using this very good macro lens the way it was designed to be used, at F/3.

Yes, this is artistic and it is well shot technically, too !

The use of ISO 400 allowed for the 1/1250 second exposure, which further assists you to achieve the full benefit from this lens by minimizing any subject motion or hand held motion..

Best Regards my friend, Mike

An excellent capture Wayne, and very artistic as well. Mike has already congratulated on good use of your equipment, I echo it as well. I have found that using your equipment properly (making the most of your investment as well) does not take away from the 'artistic' characteristic that can also be captured as seen in this shot. You have actually proved that 'both' are possible. Well done Wayne!

I am rarely moved by wildlife shots, but this is just fantastic. As people have mentioned the selective focus and gorgeous bokeh work so well here, particularly with the unusual placing of the near bird. But what makes this image truly great for me is the fantastic colour palette, made up almost entirely of gorgeous pastel blue and green. Lovely. 

Mike,

Thanks for your comments.  You have made me very mindful of working distance particularly when working with this lens.  And the lens keeps reminding me I need to stop drinking so much coffee.  I find I have to use a tripod to get the degree of sharpness I am seeking at various points.

Thanks, Gail.  Equipment and using it properly or most effectively plays a big part.  Sometimes it seems a greater part than my creativity.

Scott,

I really appreciate your stopping by and for the kind comment.  Appreciation of ones work is encouraging.

Wayne! a beautiful  greative composition  very  nice lighting-and background of the bird with spread wings well done  best regards janegbert

Janegbert,

I really appreciate the kind comment and critique.

I stole Janegbert's comment because he said almost exactly what I wanted to say "

Wayne! a beautiful creative composition very nice lighting-and background of the bird with spread wings well done best regards". I also love the pastel  color palette with varying blues and greens being dominant. Maximum rating!

Congrats on a very fine image.

Tony,

Thanks.  Your kind comments are really appreciated and are encouraging.

Wayne,is a very nice result here indeed with this mix of one clear one blur,I am just curious how you succeeded to do this with 100mm macro,with a subject that is very nimble?I do last winter few shot in my garden using 50-135mm and no more than 3m can be closer to subject.So if you know the ''recipe'' tell me too.

my best regards

Radu,

Thanks.  As you know, photographing these speedy creatures is tricky.  During this series of images my thoughts had shifted from toying with the amazing resolving power of this lens and to the interesting bokeh.  At a working distance of about 8ft, I noticed that the twigs in the background had a pleasing bokeh. (With enticement of sunflower seeds, the birds allowed me to get this close) Then it was a matter of time and luck for a bird to arrive at my near focal point and one near this background point.

...and I like what you did,must try again this winter with my chaffinces in the garden.

all my best my friend