Is focus always required?

[dreed]

Tonight I took this shot but only after did I realise that I'd forgotten to adjust the focus after shooting wider, meaning that infinity (boat & sun) are well and truly out of focus.

But when I look at it, I wonder, is that a problem?

I'm curious to know what others think.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

For the pixel-peepers, sharp focus is mandatory.

But for me, this works nicely. The softness seems to simplify the image, emphasizing the important shapes (sun, boat, reflection of sun on water) to good advantage.

I think you could get away with claiming that it was intentional in this shot.
(Note to self: A:ways take credit for lucky accidents!)

[Rob C]

Is it required? In a tiny nutshell: no!



Rob

[Telecaster]

With the dark overall tonality of the photo I think the softness works beautifully.

Rob's photo works great too. Putting those "pesky" donuts to good use…

-Dave-

[RSL]

+1

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Tonight I took this shot but only after did I realise that I'd forgotten to adjust the focus after shooting wider, meaning that infinity (boat & sun) are well and truly out of focus.

But when I look at it, I wonder, is that a problem?

I'm curious to know what others think.

Hi,

ALWAYS required? Well, that a long time, so obviously NO.

But usually, it helps YES.

Cheers,
Bart

[sgwrx]

this was my favorite shot the day! so nope, not required!

http://forum.luminous-landscape.com/index.php?topic=102815.msg844032