“Focus” is the theme of this week’s Weekly Photo Challenge from Word Press’ “The Daily Post”. I can meet the challenge with one of my street photos that I took just this past Tuesday evening in Budapest.
A photograph has to convey emotion, has to have heart and soul to capture the viewer’s imagination. It does not have to be technically perfect, it does not have to perfectly in focus. Sometimes, being a bit blurred can even add to the message of an image. When you look at the works of the masters of the genre, like Henri Cartier-Bresson or Elliott Erwitt, many of their iconic photographs are not technically perfect, but have an abundance of heart and soul.
This photo of kissing teenage travelers I took on Budapest’s famous Fischerbastei (Halászbástya) with the parliament building providing the background is for me such an example where the focal point of an image does not need to perfectly in focus.
I took the photo with my Olympus PEN-F with the mZuiko 14-150mm F/4.0-5.6 travel zoom, image specs are 1/10 sec at f/6.3 and ISO 1600, 63mm focal length.
Shooting with a relatively low shutter speed at 1/10 sec (due to the low evening light) my lens was not fast enough with the motions of the young couple. This is also a good example why leaving the camera in “P-Mode” makes so much sense. When you see a motive that attracts you just compose and press the shutter, without fumbling with the settings. Because capturing a possibly imperfect image that means something to you is better than no photo at all. It might not be perfectly in focus. But it can have heart and soul.
Have a great Friday!
Marcus
Related Posts:
Weekly Photo Challenge: Wanderlust
Weekly Photo Challenge: Surprise
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This photo definitely captures what I’m sure was the emotion of the scene. Very dreamy and romantic with the blurring lights in the background.
Thanks, Amy, for your feedback on the photo, this is so much appreciated! Marcus
With certainty another one of my favorites
Thanks 🙂 !!!
Hi,
I’m new to WordPress and came upon your blog due to my longstanding love of photography. As an entirely self taught photo-hobbiest I am often intimidated by the beauty of other people’s photography. It’s really encouraging to see a post like this which confirms what I have often thought: an “imperfect” picture can carry as much meaning, beauty, and heart as the most perfectly artistic shot. Thanks for that.
Thanks, really appreciate your kind words! Marcus
Definitely full of heart and soul. Love this.
Thanks, Miriam, love your comment! Marcus
I love this photograph
Thanks, much appreciated! Marcus
yes well said to you too. Love the photo.
Thanks, Louise, it means a lot! Marcus
Awesome post. Something perfect is not not perfect. ❤️ : )
Well said 👏👏! Thanks for your beautiful words!
You’re so right..I don’t care about seeing perfection when I look at a photo – I want that soulful feeling! Just love all the dimensions of the shot and feeling!!
Great image!
Thank you so much for visit and comment, Peter! Marcus
Love it! Really great job, and for 1/10 – wow!
Thanks, Natasha, so much appreciated 🙂 !