Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Photo of the Week (News Years Edition): Daley Plaza

Daley Plaza
Nikon D7000 w/ 50mm f1.8D lens, 1/60sec, f2.8 and ISO200. © Andy Marfia 2012 All Rights Reserved.

This week's photo is an abstract take on the Christmas Tree in Daley Plaza, and also the Daley Center, which is on the left.  This shot is intentionally defocused.  I always feel like I'm cheating when I create a photo like this, but every once in a while it makes for an interesting effect.

The seven sided polygons are caused by the aperture blades of the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D lens.  At f1.8 these would have been circular, but with this lens you start to see the shape of the aperture blades as soon as you stop down even to f2.0.  This is an older lens design-- newer Nikon models have rounded aperture blades which don't produce these sharp polygons.  Most people think that's a good thing, but I rather like this look.

I hope everyone reading had a wonderful Christmas and New Years.  I still have to post my Best of 2012 photos, and then onward to 2013!

3 comments:

Sarah said...

Great shot! I like how you worked the Daley Center into the frame.

JBL said...

I also like the polygon bokeh. It's a cool look and perhaps even a little retro at this point. Happy New Year!

Andy Marfia said...

@Sarah and JBL: Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year to you as well!