Topaz Lens Work - Bokeh without the $1800 lens

[jeffclow]

Topaz just recently released a new plug in for Photoshop and Lightroom that allows you to create a selective focus shot with bokeh that is similar to that which you would get if you were shooting with a high end portrait lens - such as a Nikkor 85mm f/1.4.

The program is called Lens Effects and you can download a trial copy here and see if it might work for you. By the way, I have no affiliation whatsoever with Topaz - I am simply one of their fans.

Topaz Lens Effects - Simulate Lens, Filter and Speciality Camera Effects

Here's a shot I processed using this software - the original was in focus throughout the frame and with a few clicks of the software I was able to create a blurred effect around the one place I wanted focus to occur.

I know this can be done by using many methods, but this new software does it quickly and is pretty darn inexpensive - the intro special is under $50.00


Comfort in a Mother's Arms by Jeff Clow, on Flickr

[mercphoto]

I'm sorry, but it looks obviously edited and does not have anything near the look of an 85/1.4. Half the mother's shirt is in focus, half isn't. Its just not a pleasing edit. :(

[jeffclow]

Originally Posted by mercphoto

I'm sorry, but it looks obviously edited and does not have anything near the look of an 85/1.4. Half the mother's shirt is in focus, half isn't. Its just not a pleasing edit. :(

Thanks for the candid feedback. The software definitely has its limitations, but I'd suggest its worth a try to those of us who can't afford the $1800 lens.

[DigMe]

Personally I'd rather work with what I have. Maybe the edits can look better than this one but I agree that it doesn't look at all like the blur in this pic is natural lens bokeh.

brad

[jeffclow]

Originally Posted by DigMe

Personally I'd rather work with what I have. Maybe the edits can look better than this one but I agree that it doesn't look at all like the blur in this pic is natural lens bokeh.

brad

Fair enough, Brad - thanks for the feedback. I don't think any software product can match the performance of an expensive portrait lens.

That said, the software allows you lots of ways to get the focal point perfect by adjusting the focal plane and the depth - my example was simply a quick one (less than a minute) to show that it does what I thought was a decent job of blurring the background.

In retrospect, I should have realized that my example was a poor one.

Nevertheless, I hope others will give the software a try since there is a thirty day free trial available.

[TxLerman]

When I try to create this effect, I create two layers in PS, the original and then the a copy which I blur. Then I play with gradient masks untill the blurring appears to gradully build up from the focus point. It takes some time to create the effect, but it works.

[darktiger]

Interesting to see what the miniature and tilt shift effects look like...

[Bob_S]

I think the reason this is a poor example is because what is in focus and what is not in focus doesn't make sense to the brain.

I'm not sure why you're thinking you need to spend a lot of money to get a lens but you can get a 50 1.8 for $150. Even better (sharper) is the 50 1.4 for $350.

[Bob_S]

In fact.... http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...m-f-1-8-a.html :)

[princer7]

I signed up for their webinar that starts at 3:00 PM. I am always willing to try/learn something new (especially free).

I still cannot thank you enough, Jeff for turning me on to Nik Software. Their complete collection ROCKS!!

[jeffclow]

Originally Posted by Bob_S

I think the reason this is a poor example is because what is in focus and what is not in focus doesn't make sense to the brain.

I'm not sure why you're thinking you need to spend a lot of money to get a lens but you can get a 50 1.8 for $150. Even better (sharper) is the 50 1.4 for $350.

Thanks for the suggestion, Bob - I have both those lenses already. However, they are not always on my camera when I've got a shot and thus I'm always looking for something that will help me after the fact if I'd like to create some selective blurring.

Based on all the comments, I'd say I'm in the minority when it comes to that. But - what the heck - I've learned a lot from this forum and I thought I might help one or two people who might have the same issue that I face....

[Angelo]

Topaz has some good software.
This bokeh product looks great...
Thanks Jeff.

[jeffclow]

Originally Posted by Angelo

Topaz has some good software.
This bokeh product looks great...
Thanks Jeff.

You are welcome, Angelo.....I hope it works out for you and your photo workflow.

[Angelo]

Jeff, the one I've been using for Bokeh work is from Alien Skin.
I do own the Topaz bundle though, excluding this new product of theirs.

[Tom]

I think to really do a good job of the fall off of focus, you really need to do a lot of layers and blur them different amounts moving away from your subject. I've never seen a software that can do it well and automated.


This was either the 135 2.0 or 85 1.2. I don't remember.