While shooting with the old and funky lensed cameras lately, I have been reminded of the need to concentrate on the image as you build it in the viewfinder. I find as you move focus forwards and back especially when shooting wide open, that you can often see more than at first glance. It sort of uncomplicates everything and breaks them down into simple tones, patterns, layers if you will. The fall off, swirly bokeh all change as focus moves. I am finding it quite liberating to shoot this way and avoid the clutter that sometimes occurs in shots with too much sharpness front to back.
Apologies for the spots.... the scanner was cleaned and wiped twice, but the dust still gets in!