What causes X-shaped wavy lines in out-of-focus backgrounds?
Asked 9/22/2018
5 views
2 answers
0
In a photo shot with a Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm at 140mm, I see faint wavy lines forming an X/diamond pattern only in the blurred background. A 1:1 crop also shows some haze and shadows inside the bokeh highlights. What typically causes this kind of pattern?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
9
It strongly appears you were shooting through a chain-link fence, chicken wire, or something else with a diamond-shaped pattern. Here is where I think the fence or wire would be (apologies for my unsteady hand drawing on a laptop trackpad):
The latest photo you uploaded shows even more distinctly what could plausibly be fence wire in the upper right corner, crossing diagonally across the sky in the background. In this photo, your lens appears to be further away from where the putative fence is (i.e., more chain links in the near field of view). Another poorly hand-drawn demonstration where I think the fence is:
The fencing would cause wavy lines parallel to the wires, that only shows up in the defocused areas of your image. In this thread at dpreview.com, user Tom Axford demonstrates how several narrow strips of paper held in front of the lens creates parallel wavy lines:

Out-of-focus background from dpreview.com discussion

Out-of-focus background with black strips held in front of lens
Now, the reason I think your entire background doesn't have wavy lines is because the purported fencing is a bit further from the front of your lens than the paper strips Tom Axford used to demonstrate the effect. Thus, the background region immediately surrounding each of the wires in the fence would demonstrate diffraction (the cause of the parallel wavy lines).
Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11924
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The most likely cause is that you were shooting through an out-of-focus obstruction with a diamond pattern, such as a chain-link fence, net, or wire mesh.
Why it fits:
- The lines appear as criss-crossing diamonds/X shapes rather than random blur.
- The pattern shows up mainly in defocused areas, which is typical when a nearby obstruction is far enough out of focus to become soft but still influences the image.
- The same pattern can show as haze or faint shadows inside bokeh highlights.
A diffraction/starburst effect from bright leaves was suggested, but the repeated diamond pattern across the frame points more strongly to fence/netting in front of the lens.
To avoid it, either move so there’s no obstruction in front of the lens, put the lens much closer to the fence and use a wider aperture so it disappears more completely, or change your angle/composition.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI7y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why do my Nikon D5100 sky photos show a faint grid or diamond pattern?
What causes curved lines (moiré) on fabric in apparel photos, and how can I reduce or remove them?
What causes vertical banding noise in brightened shadow areas?
Branching translucent squiggles appearing in the same area of photos — what are they?
How should I develop Tri-X 400 rated at ISO 200 in Rodinal?


