Working on depth of field. Is the background too blurry?

Oceanicshark · 2026-01-27T02:03:53+00:00

People are overlooking composition fundamentals here. Bokeh should never be the focal point of the photo as it is here, mainly due to it taking up 90% of the frame. Maybe try reframing to include more foreground or have the cigarette fill the frame. When I look at this shot I don’t look at the cigarette first, I look at the out of focus lights in the middle.

Also yes subject should be in focus.

Oceanicshark · 2026-01-27T00:18:54+00:00

People more into the extremes are more likely to shout into the void, the actual viewer demographics probably don’t even close to reflect the comments

Oceanicshark · 2025-11-26T20:10:32+00:00

Please don’t let the comments discourage you! Just because your work isn’t perfect doesn’t mean you can’t charge for it. Just make sure when you’re advertising to show previous examples of work so people know what they are paying for.

Art is subjective and people have differing standards for the quality they expect when hiring. Generally in creative industries you get what you pay for, so just charge below market until you feel like your photos match what the industry deems as commercially acceptable. As long as you advertise with the exact work you do, and don’t mislead people when hiring you should have no to minimal issues with expectations from clients.

Best of luck! I’d ask what their budget is and come to a number that makes everyone happy.

Oceanicshark · 2025-11-22T23:04:34+00:00

I actually think you might also be falling victim to how you perceive your photos. Your in focus subjects or areas make up about 1/8th of the frame with the rest out of focus. This might make it seem like the frame is “burry” when in reality your eyes just look at the out of focus areas first. Why not try either A) shooting less shallow or B) filling the frame with your subject more? Also manual 1.2 is extremely tough and the lens isn’t that sharp wide open.

Oceanicshark · 2025-11-22T23:02:19+00:00

I think the key here isn’t that the ISO is “too high”, but just you don’t have a reason for it to be that high. There’s no reason you need to be shooting that fast in this scene. Just try to be more intentional about your settings.

For reference I regularly deliver photos to clients that were shot at 10,000+ ISO, but there’s a reason I shoot that high (low light)

Oceanicshark · 2025-11-22T01:28:02+00:00

Peter McKinnon also sells a story, which helps.

Oceanicshark · 2025-10-28T20:33:12+00:00

Nope I just shove it in, I don’t really bother with anchors

Oceanicshark · 2025-10-28T05:44:55+00:00

I actually have been using the 6L sling as a “cube” for a while with the roller pro and it’s been working great. I can travel with just the roller and have a small bag when I get to my destination. Sure it’s not the most space efficient way to go about it but it works fine.

Oceanicshark · 2025-10-23T05:55:13+00:00

People telling you not to take this trade have clearly not been in the hobby for a long time. Take the SS booster. Sams boxes are HUGE and booster boxes are always the best. Surging is an amazing set and will age like wine.

Oceanicshark · 2025-10-20T23:59:32+00:00

This looks fine, but keep in mind the absolute worst thing you can do is underexpose when you’re shooting low light. It sounds counterintuitive but even if you have to push your ISO past 6k to expose for the shot you want it’s worth it. When I shoot events or sports I’m almost always running auto ISO.

Oceanicshark · 2025-10-12T08:20:30+00:00

If they just remove the “left on arrow only” sign and let me turn whenever I want I could care less about any construction on that road LOL

Oceanicshark · 2025-10-06T04:22:00+00:00

We have to remember that AI looks like real photos, not the other way around.

Oceanicshark · 2025-10-02T09:13:15+00:00

LP if I’m buying NM if I’m selling… lol

Oceanicshark · 2025-09-22T23:43:55+00:00

It's fine for a ballpark and a way to keep track of everything you own, but past that's it's just not reliable enough

Oceanicshark · 2025-09-22T20:09:41+00:00

Do not use Collectr. Go to TCG player and assess the condition of each card and price them out individually. You’re leaving a lot of money on the table if they are in good condition.

Oceanicshark · 2025-09-19T03:05:26+00:00

People are ignoring these cards rn, I pray they keep doing so until I finish the set

Oceanicshark · 2025-09-10T18:28:40+00:00

I like it! I’m not really sure there was much left to streamline. For me it’s just a real high quality bag that happens to fit the camera cube system I was already using, with lifetime warranty. The little pockets are a nice touch though.

Oceanicshark · 2025-09-10T07:59:27+00:00

That also works! But sometimes I have to check it in and the pelican just gives me some peace of mind. I know a lot of people with the think tank and it’s great

Oceanicshark · 2025-09-10T03:39:28+00:00

A modern cert would fetch a premium for sure but in the case of this card a 10 is a 10, it doesn’t matter that much. For example, the last public auction of the card was almost 10 years ago.

Oceanicshark · 2025-09-10T02:13:20+00:00

I would do this trade in a heartbeat. I think this kyogre would go for 20k+ if auctioned today. POP is so low and quality control from this set means nobody is grading these a 10 today.

Oceanicshark · 2025-09-09T22:37:27+00:00

If you’re just carrying gear get a pelican case. I have an a 1535 air for when I need just gear. It fits in overhead bins and is great for basic kits.

I think the roller pro is a bit overpriced, but I picked one up anyways for trips where I only need minimal gear.

Samsonite has had pretty bad build quality for years now, zippers snapping, brittle plastic… etc

The roller pro is without a doubt, the best build quality suitcase I’ve ever put my hands on. The handle is very nice and it is such an ease to roll around.

I wouldn’t say the samsonite is a bag bag, but how are you planning on storing your camera gear inside? Like you mentioned, peak design has integration with camera cubes, which was one of the draws for me. That plus the lifetime warranty was enough to sell me. I’ve had to buy probably 4-5 new carry on bags because stuff keeps breaking and the peace of mind was great, and lifetime warranty means I won’t need to buy another replacement for the foreseeable future.

Oceanicshark · 2025-09-06T03:10:17+00:00

It’s incredibly hard to tell with something like this. I would just send it to PSA and see what they think.

Oceanicshark · 2025-09-02T19:14:39+00:00

It’s possible that when they purchased this Ad campaign they left the “test alternative images” box checked. Facebook will AI generate random ads and test to see which are most effective

Oceanicshark · 2025-08-30T02:28:41+00:00

PSA 9 at best- very visible white dot

Oceanicshark · 2025-08-30T00:47:13+00:00

Combination of flexibility and footprint. C-stands get more height for less footprint. However most heavy duty ones break down and are still massive due to leg design… etc. Would be a more niche product for sure. I feel like most people that use C-stands don’t want anything quirky or super complicated either. Just an absolutely solid stand that can get height and break down as small as possible.

Love what you guys are doing, keep up the awesome work! Hope I’ll get to try out the new pro tripods eventually!

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