Here is a better example of “bokeh.” I noticed light coming through our holly tree, but I didn’t see this, exactly. Just tiny pinpoints of sunlight. When I uploaded it to the computer, I was pleasantly surprised. My aperture was almost wide open (f/3.2) and the shutter speed was 1/60.
You’re not supposed to use a shutter speed lower than the focal length of your lens, but I’m able to get away with 1/40 on my 60mm without a tripod because I have a steady hand. I do hold my breath, however, and am pretty much gasping for air by the time I’m done shooting several frames.
Soon I’ll be cutting holly branches to decorate for Christmas, ack! And again I won’t be ready. No matter how soon I start, I’m still running around like a demented crazoid on Dec. 23. I do, however, refuse to shop on Christmas Eve. I did it once, and was so embarrassed to be the only woman at the mall. All right, there may have been one or two others. But oh, the look of quiet desperation on those faces.
Pearls & Prose 
I’m fascinated by what it takes for a photographer to get a truly great photograph. The idea of holding your breath to get the perfect shot is just fabulous. 🙂
I’m glad you think so. 🙂
I thought I was the only dope doing that until I read a tip on hand-held shots and the writer said you must hold your breath!
Sorry, but what’s bokeh? We saw our first tree of holly. I didn’t know it grew on trees.
I used to know about f-stops and shutter speeds but it was so very long ago.
Bokeh is a Japanese term that refers to the out-of-focus areas in a photograph. It can be total blur or little circles like the ones in this photo.
I shot on automatic when my sons were young because I got tired of missing those candid expressions that kids make. Took a lot for me to go manual again, but it’s so worth it.
Lovely shot. I’d never heard that shutter speed rule but I’m quite shaky so I tend to need at least 1/50 to get anything good. I envy those with steady hands.
I agree. Shooting manual is so much better. And some lenses have lovely bokeh, it makes such a difference.
Hey, thanks for stopping, MLS.
I hadn’t heard the rule until this year and it’s made a difference. I hate using a tripod, so I try to follow it as best I can. It also helps to set the camera on a ledge or table if you’re lucky enough to have one near.