This capture of an intimate moment between father and son is not a perfect photograph.
I took this photo late in the evening in a dimly lit street cafe. It was a difficult situation to focus in as there was just not enough light. Aiming and shooting quickly the auto focus did lock on the contrast rich edge of the toy tiger in front of the two main subjects of the photograph, resulting in their faces being thrown out of focus due to the long focal length and the wide open aperture of f/5.6 at the far end of my zoom range.
I took only this one shot, as a second later they changed their posture and that intimate moment was lost.
Missing the focus makes this technically a failed image. Is it a failed image? I think it is not. A photograph needs to have heart and soul, needs to carry a story. It’s contents over form. A technically flawless photo isn’t any good if it’s missing heart and soul. If you study the work of the masters of Street Photography like Henri Cartier-Bresson or Elliot Erwitt, you find many of their great photography are technically imperfect images. But they carry a strong story.
So my advice is press the shutter when you see something that touches your heart and your emotions and worry about the settings later. Having perfect settings or a perfect focus doesn’t help you when the moment is lost.
The photo was taken with my OM-D E-M1 and the mZuiko 14-150mm F/4.0-5.6 travel zoom, image specs are 1/13 sec @ f/5,6 and ISO 1600, 120mm focal length.
Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.
Have a great Wednesday!
Marcus
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Incredible photo!
Thanks, Inga, your visits and comments are so much appreciated! Marcus
I love this picture just the way it is. I love the softness of focus of the father and son and that the tiger is illuminated or the message that this image carries. Perfect title: Perfect Imperfection! Love it!
Thanks, Elke, love your comment 🙂 !!
Great advice and I don’t think so either that this is a failed image. I think it’s amazing as always.
Thanks my friend! xoxox
Yep, you need something from the heart, Marcus!
Thanks, Sue 🙂 !
Marcus wonderful image. If you think about it – if you had been using a faster lens the boy and his father would still be out. I’m amazed you were able to get everything sharp at 1/13th sec.
Thanks for your kind comment, Kirk! I think you are right, my F/2.8 glass wouldn’t have helped much, shooting wide open. The Olympus cams are quite amazing in image stabilization. I do up to 1/8 sec with confidence with the E-M1 and the PEN-F.
Hi Marcus, I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. You very well deserve this and I just wanted to let you know about it. 🙂 http://www.japantrekker.com/nominated-for-the-versatile-blogger-award/
No obligation. You can choose to participate if you want to. Cheers!
Thanks, Michael, this is a big honor and much appreciated! Marcus
You’re welcome, Marcus! 😎
I love the feeling of any photo and soul way more than any techie stuff and am laughing because I shot a bunch like the recently but on purpose 🙂
Thanks, Elizabeth, great comment 🙂 ! Marcus
Marcus, this is a wonderful image and it was taken from the heart. Sometimes images like this one are more precious than the perfect ones. I like this image very much. It tells a great story.
Thanks, Kaya, your words mean so much! Marcus
Marcus, it is beautiful, the way the tiger is sharp and the faces soft, makes it perfect for me. I think if it was all in focus, something would be lost… well done for a quick reaction on capturing such a wonderful image 🙂
Thanks, Lynne, love your comment! Good to have you back 😉 ! Marcus
You are most welcome Marcus and its great to be back 🙂 Lynne
For me a photo has to be real (besides having a content etc.). Your photo might not be perfect in a technically way, but it is real and that makes it precious. I also like that – without knowing them – I can see they are father and son.
Fun fact: I just released a blog post in which I mention – beside others – Elliot Erwitt too. Not Mr. Cartier-Bresson though. 😀
Annett
Thank you so much, Annett, it really means a lot. I have seen your nice post about the masters and enjoyed it very much! A coincidence indeed! Marcus
Sounds interesting, but I don’t seem to be able to access your site…..
I am sorry to hear. But I can’t figure out the problem. Have you tried clicking on my name? Usually it works.
I’ve just had another go, and it worked….but now I realise my schoolgirl German won’t be sufficient to read your post! Never mind….