25.12.2023, 09:15   #1

Hobbyfotograf

The photos in the gallery...

my impressions
Hello. My name is Dietmar, and I’m new here. The photos displayed in the gallery are all truly impressive. However, I’ve noticed that most of them have a consistently sharp, crisp focus. Sometimes, that comes across as a bit sterile to me. If this kind of photo is the standard for quality here, I’d rather just enjoy looking at them. I think I’ll keep my own photos to myself.
25.12.2023, 11:00   #2

Hobbyfotograf

Hi Dietmar, You shouldn’t let it get to you too much. Photography, like other art forms, is heavily influenced by the spirit of the times. From my perspective, the obsession with sharpness and pixels is starting to fade again. Instead, I’m noticing a growing trend back toward analog photography, which I personally really appreciate. With that in mind, feel free to share the photos you like. Comments and discussions can often be very helpful.
Best, Leo
26.12.2023, 08:53   #3

Hobbyfotograf

@Leo Rothner Thank you very much, Leo. I'm still new here and will gradually form my own opinion. Wishing you a wonderful New Year's celebration.
26.12.2023, 09:44   #4

Hobbyfotograf

Hi Dietmar, I think you should look at this from a more nuanced perspective. Take mushroom photography as an example: you’ll find everything here—from razor-sharp focus-stacked shots like those in identification guides to creative play with light, color distortions, and delicate bokeh. The club is very diverse overall, covering practically everything from black-and-white film photography to AI-generated images. To each their own. Just share your vision(s) of photography, and you’ll surely connect with like-minded people and receive (mostly constructive) feedback. Cheers, Ulf p.s. I haven’t been around that long myself.
28.12.2023, 19:56   #5

Hobbyfotograf

Hey Dietmar, if someone wants to follow the mainstream trend of "sharper and even sharper," that's their choice.
There are shots that simply need to be sharp to make an impact.
But sharpness isn’t always the most important factor. Composition alone is what really matters.
So—what’s your problem!? If your photos are good, they’ll be appreciated. There’s plenty of expertise here already.
Best regards
29.12.2023, 01:04   #6

Hobbyfotograf

I completely agree with Dieter Amberg! I couldn’t have put it better myself!
Best regards, Eva
29.12.2023, 23:33   #7

Hobbyfotograf

@Dieter Amberg I agree with you, and I think the photos here get more attention and appreciation than on Instagram, where people just scroll through and like. Of course, I’m happy when people like my photos and give me a few thumbs up, but I don’t rely on it. I’m happy to share them with you all, no matter if they’re sharp or blurry—sometimes blurry can even be more emotional... Best, Jens  
31.12.2023, 13:55   #8

Hobbyfotograf

@Dietmar Rothe Hi Dietmar,
I’m not going to comment on individual photos in the gallery, but if a photo offers nothing beyond sharpness, then it’s pointless.
To give you a chance to see something a bit less sharp here, I’ve uploaded a few pictures.

Sharpness is a bourgeois concept.
27.08.2024, 12:35   #9

Hobbyfotograf

Although this thread is a bit older, I still think the topic is relevant—apparently, new members (and that’s meant to include both male and female members, since there are members too! 😊) can feel unsure or even put off. Many good points have already been made. Sharpness is also a matter of personal taste—what counts as “sharp”? Plus, there are other factors to consider, like the interplay of sharpness and softness, lighting, and so on. Personally, I find images with character and imperfections sometimes especially interesting, like reflections or lens flares.
What do you all think?
Best regards from me!
04.09.2024, 14:14   #10

Hobbyfotograf

@Romano Engler
Sharpness—and even blur—is definitely an important tool in the craft of image-making.
And of course, it makes sense to explore this topic. For my Leica M system alone, I have five different 50mm lenses to take advantage of various rendering characteristics.
But these elements can never be more than a bit of extra "seasoning" or "embellishment" on a photo that helps enhance its impact.
Fundamental aspects like content, perspective, and composition are always the truly essential elements that define the craft of photography.
16.11.2025, 22:37   #11
Regarding "blur," I'd like to point out that both the "Petzval" and the 75mm Biotar have recently been reissued or reproduced. The Petzval, in particular, isn't exactly known for exceptional sharpness. The Biotar, too, is only sharp in a relatively small area in the center when used wide open. I own both lenses and have done several modifications myself.

The prevalence of overly sharp photos isn't so much about the photographer's personal taste—it's due to the newer consumer cameras, which simply can't do otherwise.
30.04.2026, 13:25   #12

Hobbyfotograf

@Dietmar Rothe: Yeah, I was a bit shocked at first too. What am I doing here, surrounded by all these pros???
The introduction thread is locked, so I couldn’t even mention that I’ve been photographing for a long time, but since photography is just one of my many hobbies, I never really learned how to take great photos.
Let’s see where this goes.
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