THURSDAY’S SPECIAL: FOCUS

 

The theme of today’s challenge is FOCUS. We all want our images to be tack sharp and in focus, but there are situations when we prefer to have some parts of the image in blur i.e. out of focus to better isolate the subject we want to focus on (pun intended).  This technique is called selective focus and this is what I did in the image bellow. I focused on a single, though repetitive, element that goes on through most of the frame and seems to repeat itself in unfocused specular highlights in the background. The image shows an iconic view of the capital city of Slovenia, and I thought it would be neat to give just a hint of it.

Selective focusing is particularly interesting in macro photography, portraiture and in images with repetitive patterns and it makes photography more creative.  Now it is up to you…. whether you choose to have all the elements in your photo in focus, or to apply a selective focus or even an alternative approach to the theme like capturing a focused person or animal, I very much look forward to seeing your entries. Have a great Thursday!

rad_0066_ljubljana_kugla-_dxo_potpis_scale

©Paula Borkovic

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To join the challenge:

  • Make a photo post post on today’s theme, before next Thursday.

  • Link to this challenge post, and tag your post #thursdaysspecial

  • Leave a comment under this post

Thank you for your enthusiasm in responding to this challenge. Be good sports and pay each other a visit by clicking on the following links:

https://irenewaters19.com/2017/02/23/a-peeping-toms-focus-thursdays-special/

https://teepee12.com/2017/02/23/focus-thursdays-special/

https://lucidgypsy.com/2017/02/23/thursdays-special-robert/

https://geriatrixfotogallerie.wordpress.com/2017/02/23/focus/

https://lignumdraco.wordpress.com/2017/02/20/lignum-draco-and-the-temples-of-doom-2/

https://restlessjo.me/2017/02/23/focus-on-fountains-abbey/

tishfarrell.com/2017/02/23/a-matter-of-focus-fond-thoughts-of-high-summer-on-windmill-hill-with-greater-knapweed-and-assorted-grasses

http://www.paumau.fi/2017/02/mausteista-makua.html

https://travelwithintent.com/2017/02/23/venice-carnival-crystal-ball

https://lessywannagohome.blogspot.hr/2017/02/focus.html

https://attaleuntold.wordpress.com/2017/02/23/thursdays-special-focus-there-be-dragons/

https://leterneletlephemere.wordpress.com/2017/02/24/thursdays-special-focus/

https://attaleuntold.wordpress.com/2017/02/24/thursdays-special-2-focus

https://dailymusing57.com/2017/02/24/thursdays-special-focus/

https://lumar1298.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/thursday-special-focus/

https://ledrakenoir.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/out-of-focus/

https://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/lincoln-cathedral-choir-screen/

https://outanabout.com/2017/02/27/focus-on-our-dreams/

https://sonyavdg.wordpress.com/2017/02/28/thursdays-special-focus/

https://jennysotherstuff.wordpress.com/2017/03/01/focus/

https://unavistadisanfermo.wordpress.com/2017/03/01/focus

https://travel387.wordpress.com/2017/03/01/thursdays-special-focus/

79 responses to “THURSDAY’S SPECIAL: FOCUS”

  1. super photo Paula et qui illustre bien le thème j’aime beaucoup

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Je te remercie pour ta visite et l’appreciation, Marc 🙂 Bonne journee!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. A perfect example – I love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I thought you might 😉 Many thanks, Debbie. I look forward to something beautiful from you.

      Like

  3. Love this Paula-the background colors, the straight line in focus- just wonderful. Will get to work on it! Love the music too

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, dear Lisa. It feels so good to have a positive feedback, cause I invest some time and effort to keep challenging you. Many thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Love it Paula. And you focused on something that people do t usually look at.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This is much appreciated, Colline 🙂 Have a nice day!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Wow, Paula. That is beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. STANDING OVATION for this wonderful photo!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. *bow* 🙂 Ciao Anna! Grazie 🙂

      Like

    1. I am really glad that you like it, and that I inspired your lovely entry 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. […] Thursday’s Special: focus […]

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  8. […] post about focus for her Thursday Special is particularly inspiring this week, as is her image. When she mentioned portraiture, I remembered […]

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  9. I love this photo Paula and somewhere I have something similar, but here’s Robert instead! https://lucidgypsy.com/2017/02/23/thursdays-special-robert/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Robert is a great fit for this challenge 😀

      Like

  10. Lovely photo, Paula. Love the background bokeh too.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. The 4th last photo in my most recent post, showing the line of statue faces close up at the Terrace of the Leper King is a match for your topic. I will link if that’s OK.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s more than OK. I appreciate it, Draco 😀

      Like

  12. […] Once again, I am able to link to my friend Paula’s Thursday Challenge about Selective Focus. My photo of the row of faces at the Terrace of The Leper King suits the challenge […]

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  13. Again, I like both the photo and the challenge! Have a nice day, Paula!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You too, Tobias. Thank you very much 🙂

      Like

  14. Just gorgeous, and the whole composition has such a festive air, and the point of focus leads you right into it. To use a made-up word I heard someone use – enjoyous – and with the made-up definition of ‘the facility to engender joy’ 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Such a wonderful comment and educational too 🙂 Thank you for your kindness, Tish 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  15. […] forte, so I’m compromising.  But I would love to draw your attention to her very beautiful Focus in Thursday’s […]

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  16. You’ve excelled yourself, hon! It’s absolutely beautiful 🙂 Mine isn’t a serious contender, Paula. I just wanted to include this. You are amazing!
    https://restlessjo.me/2017/02/23/focus-on-fountains-abbey/ Somewhere I do have a Macro or two with the desired effect but never when I need them 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Jo. It feels good to read your enthusiastic approval. I like your post a lot, so much that it is mentioned as a double entry.

      Like

      1. I did mean to focus on some snowdrops but I got sidetracked. Possibly because there were some beauties in Durham last week. Thanks a lot! Wishing you a healthy and happy week. Just been to the cemetery with Spring flowers for Dad. He’d have been 89 next Sunday and I’ll be on my way to Florence xx

        Liked by 1 person

        1. When are you leaving, and how long will you be staying?

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          1. Only 4 nights including Sunday (evening arrival) and it won’t be nearly enough 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

            1. We stayed in Lucca and only visited for a day.

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              1. I’m desperate to see Lucca too! Who knows… 🙂

                Liked by 1 person

                1. You must, Jo. Please. It is far more enjoyable than Firenze, and you have good legs, you can climb towers.

                  Like

  17. http://wp.me/pKVAM-2e6 The short version of my long-winded ping title 🙂 Hope your Thursday is going well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Tish. Your focus on a warm summer meadow is beautiful.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Beautiful detail of the city! I focus on something tasty 🙂 http://www.paumau.fi/2017/02/mausteista-makua.html

    Like

  19. Interesting point of view. It’s calm and lively at the same time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good observation! Thank you 🙂

      Like

  20. Tish summarized everything I wanted to say :-). gorgeous!
    http://lessywannagohome.blogspot.be/2017/02/focus.html

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Klara 🙂

      Like

  21. […] Part of Thursday’s Special […]

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  22. I looked at the photo and thought what a fabulous illustration of focus – before I read the text !

    Liked by 1 person

    1. How cool is that 🙂 Thanks, Hilary.

      Like

  23. A great topic for the week and your photo demonstrates it wonderfully. The focus on one ball gives the city behind an air of mystery and romance.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Very happy you like it, Irene. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. This is great, Paula. Love muted background buildings and colors. This just comes together perfectly!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. I’m gonna participate this week again. I have something that may be suitable.
    Love your pic btw 🙂
    Hvae a nice weekend!

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    1. Nice to hear that. I think it is a theme for just about any photographer 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  26. […] Paula’s latest post Thursday’s Special and join the photo […]

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  27. What a terrific shot Paula, moody and very atmospheric. Great challenge this week.

    Like

  28. love seeing what people chose Paula. Here’s mine https://dailymusing57.com/2017/02/24/thursdays-special-focus/
    Have a good weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Lor, and thank you for participating in the challenge.

      Like

  29. […] The worth visiting Thursday’s Special themes created by Paula The inspiring theme this week “Focus“. […]

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  30. […] only wish I lived closer as I could spend many an hour focussing on the details of this […]

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  31. […] Sharing for Paula’s Thursday Special: Focus […]

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  32. […] Shot in response to Paula’s Thursday Special theme of focus […]

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  33. Wow your shot is stunning. Here is a slightly more run of the mill contribution https://sonyavdg.wordpress.com/2017/02/28/thursdays-special-focus/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m so glad that you like it. It is very nice to see you participating again, Sonya. Thank you.

      Like

    1. Your visit to Italy paid off 🙂 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  34. […] It’s hard to focus when you’re speeding past the Fall foliage them on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Just perfect for this week’s Thursday’s Special. […]

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  35. Hi Paula. I haven’t been around here for a while but thought I should dip my toe in the weekly challenge waters again. Here’s my entry for Focus. Thanks for the challenge. https://jennysotherstuff.wordpress.com/2017/03/01/focus/

    Like

  36. Hi , Paula…
    Here is my contribute to the challenge…

    http://unavistadisanfermo.wordpress.com

    Like

  37. If it wasn’t for this photo, the main focus, in general, would have been the building. Nice shot. Also, check out https://travel387.wordpress.com/2017/03/01/thursdays-special-focus/

    Like

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