BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Alvin C. Lopinot
 

what are circles in the background of a photograph


What are the circles found in the background of some images called? What causes them. I have heard they represent the aperture caused by some highlights.


To love this question, log in above
November 11, 2004

 
pcmlphotography.com - Pamela C.M Lammersen

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Pamela C.M Lammersen
Pamela C.M Lammersen's Gallery
  Hello Alvin,
with out seeing the image you are talking about I am guessing that what you are meaning is 'the circles of confussion' that is the effect caused by using a short depth of field or smaller F-stop.

The smaller the F-stop, the less distance(short DOF) in the image will be focused. the larger the F-stop, the greater(long DOF) distance in the image will be focused.

You should do some experimenting with your camera and see the effects - different lenses etc will have different effects because of focal length and such, but depth of field is a fun area to play around with.

hope that helps.

- pamela


To love this comment, log in above
November 11, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata
 
 
  Nautilus Reflections
Nautilus Reflections
Nikkor 180 mm ED, Provia 100

Bob Cammarata

 
 
Without seeing an example it's tough to pin-point what you are describing but it sounds like you are getting ghost images of your lens diaphragm, resulting from out-of-focus reflective highlights in the background.
(See enclosed example.)

A wide aperture will show circles, and when you stop-down you get hexangonal shapes.
These are not always a bad thing, and they can be used creatively.


To love this comment, log in above
November 11, 2004

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread