Photography effect question...?

Question

I'll be the first to admit I'm an amateur photographer, I've got my composition down pat, and take some really great shots that I either use as a basis for paintings or sell. But nonetheless, I point and shoot. All those different F1 F2, and speed things, I just need to kick my *** and learn them.

I love this photo, and was wondering if it was shopped, a lens, or a digital setting. Anyone have a clue?

http://photos.nola.com/photogallery/2008/02/lute_player.html

Answer 1

adjusting your depth of field may do the trick; it may also be a smooth "bokeh" type of photography.  

Answer 2

I agree with Brandi - this looks like a Lensbaby picture. Lensbabies are SLR lenses that are only sharp in one area. The lens barrel flexes so you can move the sweet spot around the frame.  

Answer 3

I dont think it`s shopped, these effects can be achieved by adding a lens efx filter  which is the frosted edge filter.

Also, another technique is adjusting your depth of field really tight, so the focus is concentrated on the center and very narrow depth, then put your shutter speed really fast and step forward while doing your shots, the effect will blur the edges inside the focal plane and focus on the action in the center... try these tricks and enjoy..  

Answer 4

You could achieve a similair effect in photoshop by making a selection in photoshop and using one of the blur filters, I think motion blur would probably work best

Answer 5

It appears to me that they used a lensbaby.....google it, it could also be photoshopped, sometimes you just can't tell.