“Dreamlike Quality”

/ Richard R. Barron
Christmas ornament, December 2019; 85mm f/1.4 at f/1.4.
Christmas ornament, December 2019; 85mm f/1.4 at f/1.4.

So we have all been around the block about “bokeh.” It is firmly entrenched in the photographic lexicon, and recently, I have been seeing many posts and videos that cite, “incredible dreamy quality.”

My new well-used 85mm f/1.4 is certainly good at selective focus. The question becomes, "Am I good at it?"
My new well-used 85mm f/1.4 is certainly good at selective focus. The question becomes, “Am I good at it?”
f/1.4 seems like a magical aperture.
f/1.4 seems like a magical aperture.

Could it be that simple? Is the goal of some of our photography to evoke dreams? Is that what I was seeking when I bought an amazing, beautifully-made AF-D Nikkor 85mm f/1.4? I have been experimenting with this “quality” using this lens. I also attempted to bring that “quality” to some of my images on our anniversary vacation last October using my AF-S 50mm f/1.4.

I will have more thoughts on this. What would you like to know or add to the discussion?

Santa Fe Plaza, dusk, October 2019; 50mm f/1.4 at f/1.4.
Santa Fe Plaza, dusk, October 2019; 50mm f/1.4 at f/1.4.