Photo Ideas # 3 of 10: More Photo Tricks Using Plastic Wrap!
In the last blog post I described a method for placing plastic wrap, cling film, cellophane, or even a plastic bag in front of a camera lens to add a soft focus look to an image. While photos made using this technique are not of the same optical quality as those made using specialized glass filters, the technique works with any type of camera. It’s also a fun and an inexpensive way add a distinct, dreamy or soft focus look to certain images.
By making a small change to that same plastic material, I have used a similar technique to draw the viewer’s attention to a certain area within a photo. Bokeh is a photographic term in which one area in a photo is clear and in sharp focus while the remainder of the photo is less so. While all cameras can produce images in which everything in the scene is in focus, some professional-level camera lenses have the ability to produce bokeh in which only one part of the scene is in sharp detail. (Technically this is done by using a lens capable of a large aperture setting, such as f2 or f1.8). Below is an example of an image in which only the two horses are in sharp focus.
QUICK TIP
Occasionally I want to create a bokeh-like effect with a lens that lacks the capability. And, to do so I use a variation of the idea presented in the last post. This is also something you do on your own, but it works best with cameras that have larger size lenses such as DSLR cameras and certain point-and-shoot. Begin by cutting a small hole roughly .5 inches (12.7 mm) in diameter in the center of some several layers of plastic wrap, cling film or cellophane and then hold it in front of the camera lens. If you then preview your image by looking through the viewfinder or LCD screen you will notice that one area of the scene is in sharp focus (the area revealed by the hole in the plastic) while the remainder is not. By varying the size and shape of the hole you can vary the size and shape of the area that remains in focus. Here are two examples made using this technique.
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Love those winter pictures! I think that technique will work really well when I do food pictures:)
Wow! The Smithsonian Museum! A few weeks ago I was visiting with my family in Washington, DC and we went to the Smithsonian. While we were there one of the photos in an exhibit really stopped me in my tracks because it was so beautiful and peaceful. I also had a feeling like I’d seen it before. Then today when I was reading your latest post I remembered that I’d seen it right here on your blog. I just looked at your website and it’s titled Leaves on Fire. It’s an amazing photograph. Thanks for all the beautiful photos and stories about your travels that you post, AND CONGRATULATIONS!
That’s very interesting. Is there ever a problem of noticing the cut edges of the wrap on the photo?
Oh you mean those AMAZING food photos you post on mitziemee that have me licking my lips all the time! Sure it could work but since you will be photographing things that are close-up instead of far away like the landscape photos I usually use it for, I suspect it will take a little experimenting to see which type of plastic or cellophane works best and what size/shape hold works best. After you get some time to play with it, please let me know how it works for you.
Hi Barbara. Yes, you discovered the secret — that’sone of my photos. I’m very honored to say that I do have an image on exhibit there for the next few years. I’m also amazed that you remembered you’d seen it here on the blog! Thank you so much for your kind words about my work and for good wishes. I always appreciate hearing from you.
It’s so great to hear from you Lyle. With the type of photography I always use it for (landscape work) I’ve never had that happen with any images I used it with. There are a few situations though in which I could imagine that it might be possible to see some type of edge especially if the hole was cut into a very thick layer of plastic and if you were photographing something closeup that had a very simple or plain background. What’s so great about this technique is that it costs almost nothing to give it a try and you’ll find that there are all types of plastic material you can experiment with. I hope you’ll let me know how it works for you.
That makes sense.
This is a very interesting and affordable technique that I must try! 😊
I definitely will:) And thanks for your kind words:)
Love those photos and very interesting technique.
Your photography is breathtaking Rick and your generosity of spirit to take the time to provide us with these great tips is simply wonderful. Thank you so much. My husband and I are planning to visit Wash DC when we get settled back in Ohio so I will definitely be looking for your work in the Smithsonian.
It is so great, as always, to hear from you LuAnn. It makes my heart smile to know you are enjoying the images. Please let me know when you and Terry get settled in Ohio.
Thank you Karen. As always, it’s a delight to hear from you.
Will do.
This is a great idea! Thanks Rick. You have such a giving heart!!
Great to hear from you Sherry. Thanks for the kind words. It’s always a pleasure to share.
Loved the horse photo and the winter ones, the teazle stands out clear giving it focus while the others blend in the back ground, A very good idea….
Thank you Sue