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The Little Things in Life

The Little Things in Life by Stuck in Customs.
This little thing has been a nice distraction for my holidays. This is actually a perfect little fairy that I got for my perfect little daughter who still believes that everything is both real and unreal at the same time. She doesn't yet realize (or care) about what is possible and impossible. She has this wonderful free-spirit that is delicate and innocent - a soft way of holding my hand with intent as her grip loosens while she falls asleep.

I got her this little winged muse for the holidays - a tiny jewelry box for little things that she likes to use to make herself pretty for me.

Having kids running around is very nice for the artist in me... (uh oh - stream of consciousness warning - but don't worry I am not a blogger who listens to the same Enya song 37 times in a row) It reminds me that it doesn't really matter what is real and not real that affects the state of mind... To her fairies and magical forest creatures are real and full of wonder. They affect what she thinks and what she does... Then as adults, we are not supposed to think about that stuff any more because it is for children, but don't we still fill up our heads with other things that are not real? Not only do we fill our heads up with non-corporeal visions, but most of them aren't any fun at all! So, I say, why not go ahead and fill up our adult heads with fantastical things that may or may not be real, and have fun with it? I fill my head with things that have a deep truth and a fantastical nature... I suppose you can see some of that bleed out in my photos... and many of these things that are in my head actually come true in unexpected ways. There are elements of my brain that are like Big Fish and The Fall -- all of it is there and happening within various levels... I am glad movies like that exist and kids exist... reminding us of what is secretly acceptable.

from the blog at: www.stuckincustoms.com 

Comments

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Anirudh.. says:

amazin
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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caddymob  Pro User  says:

lovely
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Killer App  Pro User  says:

luvly!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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pongky ©  Pro User  says:

Love love the bokeh! sweet. Did I say I liked the bokeh?
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Verticordia ( . . . )  Pro User  says:

hehehe! It's a wonderful gift! And a great photo too. I know, the kids are so great to have around. When they are part of your life and share and play with you in that way that only a father and his children do and can . Oh whatever beautiful! :)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Sheraz Shaukat  Pro User  says:

So Cute. :))
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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♥siebe ©  Pro User  says:

W o n d e r f u l !

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Discovered using FlickrFox. (?)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Mtnguyd  Pro User  says:

Ah yes, The joy of fatherhood and young kids. Mine are grown now,(23,21) it happens so fast. Like you I had a son first, then a daughter. I've seen your pictures with your son in the outdoors. Like you I took my two to see nature. Colorado, many summers to get out of the Texas heat. You can see them in my Colorado Collection Trey. He would bring up the rear when I guided off Motorcycles. The pictures you take now will become the most valued photos you have later. They becomes treasures like the muse you bought. They capture them in that moment, when she IS a fairy princess or whatever is is that day. What a blessing. OH, IF ANY ONE WONDERS ABOUT THE DETAIL OF THE D3X, Take a look at the original file on this
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Jon in Thailand  Pro User  says:

Beautiful bokeh.....Our youngest daughter is 30 tomorrow and she still is a little princess.............Jon in Thailand.............
.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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stellar63max66  Pro User  says:

Lovely bokeh fairy shot! An wonderful story that went along with it!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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crowjay  Pro User  says:

Wow!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Rut Kara  Pro User  says:

Thank you!!
I now have a grandson of 17 months.. and what a wonder!!!
I just saw the movie the Fall and it was amazing!!!!
Thank you for all your wonderful stuff and happy new year!!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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shimmertje  Pro User  says:

Nice figurine. It's hard to cut out reality sometimes, but it's a sad sad day when you lose your sense of wonder.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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kolombianstyle  Pro User  says:

amazing bokkeeh.

please take the time to enjoy my photography.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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xnir  Pro User  says:

beautiful!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Jorge_E  Pro User  says:

magic!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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chrisbanach says:

splendid bokeh
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Fried Toast (USA)  Pro User  says:

Fantastic shot, Trey. Love it. And the explanation, too, is wonderful.

Would fave it twice if I could. This is one of those shots that need to be revisited from time to time, if only to re-read your words and remind ourselves that taking life too seriously isn't as good as we might think it is.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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ecstaticist  Pro User  says:

gorgeous seasonal image.

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Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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insashi  Pro User  says:

fantastic shot
the BoKeH my dear is awesome

enjoy your weekend
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Linhy  Pro User  says:

…........ (¯' *´¯)...
…….…... / | \ ..........
………....*•♥•*...................
…….... *♥♫♫♥*'...........
…..... *♥•♦♫••♥** ..............
.........*♥☺♥☺♥☺♥* .....
.......*♥•♥#♠♥#♥•♥** '
......*♥♫♥♥♫♥♥♫♥♫* '
....*♥♥☺♥♫♥♫♥☺♥♥*'
..*♥♥♣♫♥♣♥♥♣♥♫♣♥♥*'
'*♥♥♣♥♫♥♥♫♥♥♫ ♥♣♥♥*'
..............╬╬╬╬╬..................
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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MINT ICETEA  Pro User  says:

very dreamy and sweet image
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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garryloke says:

wonderful !
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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aloha_plumeria says:

Dreamy picture and fantastic words Trey! Love your fabulously decorated Christmas tree in the back! ;) You still didn't tell me who hung the ornaments up and if he/she is for hire... ;D

Have a nice day and a safe trip to Houston!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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C.A.R.L.O.  Pro User  says:

Cool!!!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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pahles  Pro User  says:

Great shot, the bokeh is beautiful!

Who says fairies don't exist? ;)

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Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Valpopando  Pro User  says:

awesome bokeh ! well done maked
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Georgie Sharp  Pro User  says:

Gorgeous!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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GloriousFool  Pro User  says:

Yes, a gorgeous shot. The muted colours are lovely.

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Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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DMC43  Pro User  says:

Fantastic bokeh and clear sharp focus on the fairy. Your words remind me of youth and carefree wonder...ahhhh to be young again! :-)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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* taltal  Pro User  says:

beautiful, and full of magic :)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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cresk  Pro User  says:

Terrific Christmas gift my friend. Indeed, having little kids running around (mine are 2 & 3) is the greatest thing one can imagine.

Very nice statements as well and let me tell ya that all these unreal stuff will be my goal for the next year to come. I want to push my photographic art a little bit further and wouldn't care much about photo realistic anymore. You're so right and thanks for the inspiration. Will see you around here.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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jw corley  Pro User  says:

Once again your writing is almost as good as your pictures. I like it.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Photomike07  Pro User  says:

How very true...I can relate in so many ways. Your are an inspiration not only as a very creative person, but as a parent as well. I'm off to enjoy the day with mine now......we never get today to do over, so we have to make it the best we can :)

By the way, as I am sure you know....blink an eye and they grow up....so enjoy every moment my friend :)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Lester Shih  Pro User  says:

Nice shot!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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cheerfulstoic  Pro User  says:

Your post made me think of a link that I saw the other day to this children's book:

www.veryawesomeworld.com/awesomebook/inside.h tml#

If you read through to the end of the book, you can buy it
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Fionn Luk  Pro User  says:

Wow, this is lovely.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Sherie Beth  Pro User  says:

Absolutely beautiful, and well said!! I couldn't agree with you more :)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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castevens12 says:

D3x YAY!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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*Inscrutable* says:

This is sooo cute!!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Scoutress  Pro User  says:

The writer in me, loves your description. The parent in me, feels the emotion that children can bring out in us. The woman in me marvels at a man so smart and at the same time sensitive.

I've seen many fairies but your writing gives this photo life and meaning. Great job!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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fotophriendly  Pro User  says:

well written.... GR8 capture too!=}
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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dibec says:

beautiful bokeh. Not keen on the subject, but it works.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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wishiwsthr  Pro User  says:

I don't know about that D3X. It looks a little soft, and the background is all circly with ghost circles and....I wish I had a D3Xmas. Beautiful picture and your blog wonderfully written. Are you sure that's a muse? How can you tell the difference between a muse and a fairy? I'll google it and get back to you. You really made me think about the adult connection with fantasy. That would be an excellent research project; it seems most people maintain some connection with fantasy all their lives, in varying degrees.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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susan_r4 says:

Super wonderful photo and musings Trey - that's why you're such a great dad!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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bharat1980 says:

Wonderful... perfect lil dream captured in perfect lil shot.

Very interesting and well articulated blog (:

On a different note - I guess children are probably most fearless form of life and hence their imaginations. Fear is a creation of our own brains. Could be fear of dreaming. Fear is directly proportionate to age. If we can control the brain - we can control the fear too.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Feryi. (Sorry, I'm busy) says:

Lovely bokeh!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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neilalderney123  Pro User  says:

All those pixels are going to your head mate! We all know you listed to the same Enya song 36 times (not 37!) - Actually when my son was anew born he would not sleep unless he was held and theer was calm music on. Yep, you guessed it, me holding & patting the baby listening to Enya over & over again! - That was over 15 years ago now though.- ;-)

Anyway, what was I saying? That's right! Nice image and nice bokeh there Trey. My daughter who is 13 STILL loves that sort of stuff.


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Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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*Yess*  Pro User  says:

Pure magic!!!! I love bokeh and the absolutely magical atmosphere.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Ventura Carmona  Pro User  says:

Beautiful!!!

WINNER
You are my winner!
Please add this photo to
www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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krispollet30 says:

Jooo es mágica... :-)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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vetlife2005  Pro User  says:

Take this Christmas IconChristmas IconsMyspace Icons
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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twoblueday  Pro User  says:

Wonderful thought and idea for a photo.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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DontWorryItsJustMe says:

great!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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{CarLee} -Away on Holidays be back soon :)  Pro User  says:

I try to still have part of me that has that child like wonderment about things.....it doesn't hurt...

a sweet gift and lovey photo to remember
:)Car
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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mau_tweety ( coming back soon...with new pics ;-))  Pro User  says:

Seen on EXPLORE Front page!
Congrats!

Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Doktor Dumbom  Pro User  says:

gg

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Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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samfeinstein  Pro User  says:

Nice take on a classic theme, but...

I have a question.

What's the "bokeh within the bokeh?"

I have never seen anything like that.

Is it an artifact? Flare? Mini-bokeh from something like little twinkle lights? Something to do with the larger sensor? I'm going to have to try getting this on my D300...

Thanks.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Narnya says:

beatiful
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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negra223  Pro User  says:

What a simply beautiful capture and story...mine are all grown, but the magic still lives on!! Awesome bokeh!

I bought my Sister one similar to this last year for Christmas, and my 26 year old was so envious! lol

Congratulations on Front Page!
;0}

Your photo deserves a Ruby

Please add this photo to the The Ruby Awards group
You can tag your photo RubyPhotographer
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Denis Collette...!!!  Pro User  says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Vision Group / Invite only, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Front Page on Explore...!!!
Champagne... peanuts... ice cream... chocolate...pop corn...!!! :)))

Congratulations! Félicitation! Felicitazione! Felicidades! Felicitats! Glückwunsch! تهنئة 恭喜 Felicitação! Čestitke! Blahopřání! Gratulation! Felicitatie! Õnnitlus! Onnittelu! Συγχαρητήρια! כל הכבוד! Gratulálok! مبارکPowinszowanie! Felicitação! Честитке! Lyckönskningar! Поздравляю! Tebrikler! Поздравления! تبریک おめでとう Til lukku or til hamingju! GEFELICITEERD! Parabéns! Gourc'hemennoù! 축하합니다!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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*Lynne  Pro User  says:

Beautiful! Seen on the FP of Explore, congrats!
Love your description as much as the photo.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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bevcraigwhite  Pro User  says:

a dreamlike image...and words of wisdom...well done !!! WINNER
You are my winner!
Please add this photo to
www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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ஐ★ღ§wêê†Båbίί®åєღ★ஐ  Pro User  says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Explorers Of The World, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

This is such an amazing capture and that bokeh is beautiful!!!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Stuck in Customs  Pro User  says:

Thanks all -

Sam - that is an artifact of the F1.4 50mm lens... only one little thing was in focus.. I liked how everything else was shifty in reality... like a real fairy! :)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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samfeinstein  Pro User  says:

Trey, look at this test - inspired by your image: www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/3143444874 /

This is a Nikkor 35mm f/2.0 on a D300 at ISO 200. You will see the same kind of artifact. Take a look at the circles that are near each other and you will see that the "bleb" appears at pretty much the same position. This is straight off the card, except for being cropped a bit.

The roses near this one are totally stolen from ...errr... inspired by your concept, by the way.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Daniel Familia  Pro User  says:

Nice bokeh!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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CaptureThem  Pro User  says:

Spectacular image, my friend, congratulations on making it into Explore. Truly an exceptional work of art; I love everything about it.

Can't wait for the next one. Drop by sometime!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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cliffpatte  Pro User  says:

nicely done!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

2eyesphotos [deleted] says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called ***Mary's style***, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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uncle_rich0101  Pro User  says:

I saw this beautiful photo on Explore ! 12-27-08

Congratulations on another wonderful explored photo. Outstanding work, as usual. Very well done.

You are invited to add this wonderful photo to
"Explored Beauty !"

Explored Beauty !
Please Invite other Explored Favorites to this Group too !
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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blueintheburgh  Pro User  says:

Fantastic Capture!
"Seen In Explore"

~I SNIFFED out this wonderful image!
You deserve this nose worthy award!
Please ADD your
Impressively beautiful
photo to~
Impressed by your Beauty!
Impressed by your Beauty! (Invite only images)

Please tag your photos ImpressedBeauty
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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macrorain  Pro User  says:

Beautiful!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Verticordia ( . . . )  Pro User  says:

I don't see the highlight bokeh within a highlight bokeh. The Lens appears to make fairly even bokeh highlights although the edges of the out-of-focus highlights are moderately bright here. which I believe suggests a slight over correction of spherical aberration. There appears to be double out-of-focus highlights in some but there could be multipule lights. It could also be a double lining which is a similar issue. But that is only on one or two of the circles of confusion. That suggests that double lining is not issue here. I think the Bokeh highlights here are wonderful. I might say that maybe there is a slight over saturation of highlights or shadows in Photomatrix. I did not notice the ISO used which can introduce noise too??? Would you please place a note on the bokeh aberration you are referring too. You don't have too, I am just curious what you are referring too.

I just noticed the link. and I looked at the larger image. It is curious. There are many of them in the large version of this photo. I don't know if it's dirt but could be, it seems odd. But I don't think it's the lens....thank you Sam, Sorry I missed the link before writing.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Verticordia ( . . . )  Pro User  says:

Now that my curiosity is up, I might as well finish. The shape of these bokeh highlights are not round. The shape generally reflects the shape of the aperture. However, most of these are a lemon shape, that seems odd but there are also some that are circular, a few? My curiosity is up about the shape of the 1.4 50's aperture or if the bokeh highlights have been altered in pp?
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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samfeinstein  Pro User  says:

If you look through a paper towel tube at less than a perpendicular angle, the "circle" presented to your eye is not round, either. If you put several sources of light at an off angle to that paper towel tube, some above, some below, and some to the left or right, you will have a different view of the light from each light source. To me, that explains the oval shape. I have no reason to attribute the oval shape OR the little artifacts to post-processing. You can duplicate this in testing at home.

Look at this image, which I will testify in court is totally unaltered. It is not even cropped. Look at the oval shapes on the right and left of the image. Note that these ovals are even sort of mirror image from each other. Note that the bokeh circles in the very center of the image are round and that as you radiate away from the center, they become more and more oval - always "facing center," though.

The artifacts are uniformly positioned in bokeh circles (ovals) that are near each other and gradually shift position as you "roam around" the image. They might be related to some dust on the lens, but they are absolutely not caused by dust on the sensor.

Tomorrow's project will be to clean my lens - front and rear - and try again.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Verticordia ( . . . )  Pro User  says:

Sam this photo has cause both you and I a bit of curiosity. I understand the paper tube and lights at an angle but I am not sure that explains the shapes either but it could. I do see the movement out from center too. I should do an experiment with the camera and see. I am thinking about what you wrote here. Yes, could be a fine dust on the lens and possibly not perceptible but the post might have emphasized them. I don't know. Your observations are food for thought though. Thanks =)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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samfeinstein  Pro User  says:

Okay, at least I am confident in saying, "Mystery solved." See these two tests:
Bokeh Dirty - www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/3149283572 /
Bokeh Clean - www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/3148451829 /

View them full sized and there can be no question about it.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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fairytrixy  Pro User  says:

You have such a fantastic attitude about being a parent and how important it is for a child to be just that. Find a Waldorf Methods School if you have not already, it is an education that lets a child be in the dream longer and it does not compromisse art and music for test scores.
Beautiful picture!
happy new Year!!!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Tontographer  Pro User  says:

This is wonderful.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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Verticordia ( . . . )  Pro User  says:

This is what I think of when I think of digital artifacts and aberrations:
Go to my stream and view the notes on this photo - look at the high res on it too.
artifact - IMG_4306_5_4
www.flickr.com/photos/94858660@N00/3150024168 /
???
This is what I thought were digital artifacts and aberrations. I just put this here for your thoughts and for discussion or anybody's thoughts OK :)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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nosillaa says:

This is probably my new favorite. Love the description too. Great shot!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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- Cristina -  Pro User  says:

It's so lovely :)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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kenneoh  Pro User  says:

this is beautiful and at the same time thanks for bringing back the fantasy thought to us....
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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davhor  Pro User  says:

Great DoF and composition! A breathtaking shot!
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

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CharleneM50(computer is fixed) says:

This is so beautiful...lovely detail and a beautiful creative subject!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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*~Moonlit Dreams~* (Back on September) says:

Beautiful and superb processing!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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Pawns  Pro User  says:

thx for sharing and makeing your beautiful photo a creative commons...
Challenge #2 - Little Darlings
i used it here....
www.flickr.com/groups/makeitinteresting/discu ss/721576126...
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

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