Backgrounds Bokeh mirrors etc

[Rob Leslie]

After working on retouching the rings from mirror lens backgrounds I think I have the way to easily correct future ones.

If after taking the shot you shoot it again with a focus setting that avoids donuts one can then add that second background where needed to your original shot. Here is the process as I see it. I should add I haven’t yet tried it but see no reason why it won’t work very easily and quickly.

Shoot the scene again from the same viewpoint and exposure but focus so as to avoid donuts. In Photoshop paste your original image (The subject) onto your re-shot background image. With the Erase tool set to opacity of about 30% erase around your offending donuts to reveal the re-shot background beneath. It should blend in perfectly. There should be no need to carefully work to edges or worry about tonal changes because the two shots should be almost the same.

Those of you seeking some special ‘Bokeh’ effects with non mirror lenses may wish to try something similar.

[LeFanch]

Thanks Rob!
I have to try that when I am back home!
Sometimes this doughnut bokeh is OK, but I had a few shots where that killed the final pictures.