web02.fireside.fm Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:55:53 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) PhotoActive - Episodes Tagged with “Bokeh” https://photoactive.fireside.fm/tags/bokeh Fri, 01 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0800 Jeff Carlson and Kirk McElhearn discuss photography and the Apple ecosystem. We cover using an iPhone or any other camera with Apple hardware and software, and we welcome photographers to discuss their work. en-us episodic A podcast about photography and the Apple ecosystem. Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn Jeff Carlson and Kirk McElhearn discuss photography and the Apple ecosystem. We cover using an iPhone or any other camera with Apple hardware and software, and we welcome photographers to discuss their work. no photography, podcast, kirk mcelhearn, jeff carlson, cameras, lenses, apple, iPhone, photo editing, photo organization Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn kirk@mcelhearn.com Episode 154: Lens Blur https://photoactive.fireside.fm/154 2626bd68-4a37-4164-a127-7710145ad059 Fri, 01 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0800 Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn 154 Lens Blur full Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn It’s time to talk about the B-word again! Jeff couldn’t trick Kirk into saying “bokeh,” but this week we’re looking at a few ways to get background blur using Portrait mode in the iPhone and editing in Lightroom. Technology has improved quite a lot in the last couple of years, to the point where simulated bokeh can sometimes pass off as natural lens blur. 35:12 no It’s time to talk about the B-word again! Jeff couldn’t trick Kirk into saying “bokeh,” but this week we’re looking at a few ways to get background blur using Portrait mode in the iPhone and editing in Lightroom. Technology has improved quite a lot in the last couple of years, to the point where simulated bokeh can sometimes pass off as natural lens blur. Hosts: Jeff Carlson: website (https://jeffcarlson.com), Jeff's photos (https://jeffcarlson.com/portfolio/), Jeff on Instagram (http://instagram.com/jeffcarlson), Jeff on Glass (https://glass.photo/jeff-carlson), Jeff on Mastodon (https://twit.social/@jeffcarlson) Kirk McElhearn: website (https://www.kirkville.com), Kirk's photos (https://photos.kirkville.com), Kirk on Instagram (https://instagram.com/mcelhearn), Kirk on Glass (https://glass.photo/mcelhearn), Kirk on Mastodon (https://journa.host/@mcelhearn) Show Notes: (View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co (https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-154-lens-blur)) Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast! (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/photoactive/id1391697658?mt=2) Take Control of Apple Watch (https://www.takecontrolbooks.com/apple-watch/) Episode #20 - The Blur-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named (https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-20-bokeh) Our Snapshots: Jeff: Universal Magnetic Tripod Mount Adapter for All Phones (https://amzn.to/3SXrDvX) Kirk: Braun Analogue Wall Clock (https://braun-clocks.com/collections/wall-clocks/products/bc26-braun-analogue-wall-clock-black?variant=40729804570647) Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site (https://photoactive.co) to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered. If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/photoactive/id1391697658?mt=2) or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/photoactivecast/) to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more. Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive. photography, podcast, kirk mcelhearn, jeff carlson, cameras, lenses, apple, iPhone, photo editing, photo organization, blur, bokeh It’s time to talk about the B-word again! Jeff couldn’t trick Kirk into saying “bokeh,” but this week we’re looking at a few ways to get background blur using Portrait mode in the iPhone and editing in Lightroom. Technology has improved quite a lot in the last couple of years, to the point where simulated bokeh can sometimes pass off as natural lens blur.

Hosts:

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Our Snapshots:

Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

]]> It’s time to talk about the B-word again! Jeff couldn’t trick Kirk into saying “bokeh,” but this week we’re looking at a few ways to get background blur using Portrait mode in the iPhone and editing in Lightroom. Technology has improved quite a lot in the last couple of years, to the point where simulated bokeh can sometimes pass off as natural lens blur.

Hosts:

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Our Snapshots:

Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

]]> Episode 132: The Best Focal Length https://photoactive.fireside.fm/132 3287ee7f-3075-46fb-8313-200c4e4e5b0c Fri, 23 Dec 2022 01:00:00 -0800 Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn 132 The Best Focal Length full Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn Perhaps you’ve heard that there’s an ideal focal length that is the closest approximation to the human eye. Or perhaps you’re a purist who can’t imagine shooting anything but a 50mm prime. In this episode, Jeff and Kirk dig into these preconceptions and talk about how focal length affects your photography. 38:18 no Perhaps you’ve heard that there’s an ideal focal length that is the closest approximation to the human eye. Or perhaps you’re a purist who can’t imagine shooting anything but a 50mm prime. In this episode, Jeff and Kirk dig into these preconceptions and talk about how focal length affects your photography. Hosts: Jeff Carlson: website (https://jeffcarlson.com), Jeff's photos (https://jeffcarlson.com/portfolio/), Jeff on Instagram (http://instagram.com/jeffcarlson), Jeff on Glass (https://glass.photo/jeff-carlson) Kirk McElhearn: website (https://www.kirkville.com), Kirk's photos (https://photos.kirkville.com), Kirk on Instagram (https://instagram.com/mcelhearn), Kirk on Glass (https://glass.photo/mcelhearn) Show Notes: (View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co (https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-132-focal-length)) Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast! (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/photoactive/id1391697658?mt=2) Episode 58: The Rule of Turds (https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-58-thirds?rq=rule%20of%20turds) Fujifilm X100V (https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/cameras/x100v/) Bob Kolbrener (https://www.bobkolbrenerphotography.com) Episode 121: Jeff’s European Photo Adventures (https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-121-jeff-europe) Episode 118: Scott Kelby’s Travel Tips (https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-118-kelby) Eve Energy (https://amzn.to/3hq82El) How to Use Thread HomeKit Devices with Apple TV and HomePod mini (https://kirkville.com/how-to-use-thread-homekit-devices-with-apple-tv-and-homepod-mini/) Our Snapshots: Jeff: Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A, Apple HomeKit Supported (https://amzn.to/3HzBqCK) Kirk: Wim Wenders | A Curzon Collection (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wim-Wenders-Curzon-Collection-Blu-ray/dp/B0BGSXDT99/) Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site (https://photoactive.co) to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered. If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/photoactive/id1391697658?mt=2) or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/photoactivecast/) to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more. Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive. photography, podcast, kirk mcelhearn, jeff carlson, cameras, lenses, apple, iPhone, photo editing, photo organization, raw, proraw, Lightroom, luminar, bokeh, background blur, aperture Perhaps you’ve heard that there’s an ideal focal length that is the closest approximation to the human eye. Or perhaps you’re a purist who can’t imagine shooting anything but a 50mm prime. In this episode, Jeff and Kirk dig into these preconceptions and talk about how focal length affects your photography.

Hosts:

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Our Snapshots:

Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

]]> Perhaps you’ve heard that there’s an ideal focal length that is the closest approximation to the human eye. Or perhaps you’re a purist who can’t imagine shooting anything but a 50mm prime. In this episode, Jeff and Kirk dig into these preconceptions and talk about how focal length affects your photography.

Hosts:

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Our Snapshots:

Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

]]> Episode 107: Simulated vs. Optical Background Blur https://photoactive.fireside.fm/107 dbb5091d-9679-4747-9366-124c6e658159 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800 Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn 107 Simulated vs. Optical Background Blur full Jeff Carlson & Kirk McElhearn You shot a lovely portrait and realized later that the background could benefit from some artistic blur. It used to be that if you didn’t get it in camera, you were stuck. But now it’s possible to recreate that blur using AI features in software later. Or, if you captured the shot using the iPhone’s Portrait Mode, you can edit the effect whenever you want. Is the software option really worth doing? 38:47 no You shot a lovely portrait and realized later that the background could benefit from some artistic blur. It used to be that if you didn’t get it in camera, you were stuck. But now it’s possible to recreate that blur using AI features in software later. Or, if you captured the shot using the iPhone’s Portrait Mode, you can edit the effect whenever you want. Is the software option really worth doing? Hosts: Jeff's website (https://jeffcarlson.com), Jeff's photos (https://jeffcarlson.com/portfolio/), Jeff on Instagram (http://instagram.com/jeffcarlson) Kirk's website (https://www.kirkville.com), Kirk's photos (https://photos.kirkville.com), Kirk on Instagram (https://instagram.com/mcelhearn) Follow the PhotoActive Instagram account (http://instagram.com/photoactive_podcast/) Show Notes: (View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co (https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-107-ai-bokeh)) Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast! (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/photoactive/id1391697658?mt=2) Episode 106: PhotoActive 2021 Gift Guide (https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-106-gift-guide) Episode 20: The Blur-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named (https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-20-bokeh) Pixelmator Pro (https://www.pixelmator.com/tutorials/resources/advanced-automation-and-scripting-with-applescript/) Episode 105: Aaron Hockley and Computational Photography (https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-105-hockley-ai) Halide app (https://halide.cam/) Our Snapshots: Jeff: Green Extreme batteries (https://amzn.to/3yfvfgb) Kirk: Expert Shield screen protector (https://amzn.to/3lLyIhF) Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site (https://photoactive.co) to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered. If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/photoactive/id1391697658?mt=2) or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/photoactivecast/) to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more. Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive. photography, podcast, kirk mcelhearn, jeff carlson, cameras, lenses, apple, iPhone, photo editing, photo organization, raw, proraw, iPhone13Pro, iPhone13ProMax, Lightroom, luminar, bokeh, background blur, aperture You shot a lovely portrait and realized later that the background could benefit from some artistic blur. It used to be that if you didn’t get it in camera, you were stuck. But now it’s possible to recreate that blur using AI features in software later. Or, if you captured the shot using the iPhone’s Portrait Mode, you can edit the effect whenever you want. Is the software option really worth doing?

Hosts:

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Our Snapshots:

Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

]]> You shot a lovely portrait and realized later that the background could benefit from some artistic blur. It used to be that if you didn’t get it in camera, you were stuck. But now it’s possible to recreate that blur using AI features in software later. Or, if you captured the shot using the iPhone’s Portrait Mode, you can edit the effect whenever you want. Is the software option really worth doing?

Hosts:

Show Notes:

(View show notes with images at PhotoActive.co)

Our Snapshots:

Subscribe to the PhotoActive podcast newsletter at the bottom of any page at the PhotoActive web site to be notified of new episodes and be eligible for occasional giveaways. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re automatically entered.

If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes/Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast. And don't forget to join the PhotoActive Facebook group to discuss the podcast, share your photos, and more.

Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links for products, in which we receive small commissions to help support PhotoActive.

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