Understanding Bokeh
Bokeh (pronounced "boh-keh" or "boh-kay") refers to the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus areas of an image, particularly when point light sources are present. The shape and size of the bokeh are determined by the lens' aperture blades. Wide apertures (low f-numbers like f/1.8, f/2.8) produce shallower depth of field, leading to more pronounced bokeh.
The Core Strategy: Mimicking a Wide Aperture
Since we're on a budget, we need to fake the effect of a wide aperture. Here's the breakdown of techniques:
1. The "Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly" Technique (Around $2-5)
* What you need:
* Petroleum jelly (Vaseline, generic brand) - A small amount is all you need.
* A clear plastic filter (UV filter, skylight filter, or even a piece of clear plastic cut to fit) - You might already have one lying around. If not, you can buy a cheap one online or at a used camera store for a few dollars.
* Soft cloth (microfiber cloth is best)
* Toothpick or small applicator (optional, for precision)
* How to do it:
1. Clean the Filter: Thoroughly clean your filter with a soft cloth. Any smudges will show up in your photos.
2. Apply Sparingly: Using a toothpick, your finger, or a soft cloth, apply a VERY thin layer of petroleum jelly around the edges of the filter. Avoid the center! You want the center of the frame to remain sharp, while the edges are softened. Experiment with different levels.
3. Important: Test, Test, Test! Take test shots and see how the bokeh looks. You can adjust the amount of Vaseline and the area covered. Add or remove as needed. Too much will make the whole image blurry.
4. Focus: Focus on your subject, ensuring they are sharp. The background should naturally blur more due to the softened edges.
5. Safety: Be very very careful to avoid getting vaseline onto your lens itself! It's very difficult to clean off the elements.
* Pros: Very cheap, easy to apply, and gives a dreamy, soft effect.
* Cons: Can be messy. Requires a filter you're okay with potentially getting slightly oily. The bokeh shape won't be perfectly round (more like a soft haze), but it's still effective.
2. The "Bokeh Shapes Cutout" Technique (Around $1-5)
* What you need:
* Black construction paper, cardstock, or foam sheet ($1-2 at any craft store)
* Scissors or a craft knife
* Tape (masking tape or gaffer tape)
* A Lens hood (optional, but it improves the results)
* How to do it:
1. Measure: Measure the outer diameter of your camera lens.
2. Cut a Circle: Cut a circle of black paper/cardstock that's slightly larger than your lens diameter.
3. Cut a Smaller Hole in the Center: Cut a smaller circular hole in the center of the larger circle. This is where the light will pass through. The size of this hole is important. Start with a hole about 1/4 to 1/3 the diameter of your lens opening.
4. Cut Your Shape: Now, in the center of the smaller hole, cut out your desired shape. This will be the shape of your bokeh. Common shapes are hearts, stars, circles (use a hole punch). Smaller, simpler shapes work best. The key is to start with small shapes. A star that's too large will just look like a blurry mess.
5. Attach to Lens: Attach the black paper/cardstock disk to the front of your lens, covering it completely except for the shaped hole. Tape it securely in place. Be careful not to damage your lens! A lens hood is very useful here, as you can attach the cutout to the hood instead of the lens directly.
6. The Lighting: The more point light sources you have in the background, the more distinct bokeh shapes you'll get. Christmas lights are perfect!
7. Shoot at a Distance: Increase the distance between your subject and the background. The further the background, the more pronounced the bokeh.
8. Focus: Focus on your subject.
* Pros: Fun, creative, allows for custom bokeh shapes.
* Cons: Can be fiddly to get right. The bokeh effect is more pronounced with brighter point light sources in the background.
3. Smartphone Apps (Usually Free or Low Cost)
* Consider Background: Aim for light sources or textures that would lend themselves to bokeh, like fairy lights, dappled sunlight through trees, or water reflections.
* Explore Apps: There are many smartphone apps that can simulate bokeh. Search for "bokeh" or "depth of field" in your app store. Popular options include:
* AfterFocus: A free (with in-app purchases) app that allows you to manually select the focus area and blur the background.
* Focos: Another free (with in-app purchases) app with more advanced depth-of-field effects.
* Snapseed: While not specifically for bokeh, Snapseed's "Lens Blur" tool can be used to simulate a shallow depth of field.
* How to use:
1. Take a Photo: Take a portrait photo using your smartphone.
2. Import to App: Import the photo into your chosen app.
3. Select Focus Area: Use the app's tools to accurately select the area you want to keep in focus (your subject).
4. Adjust Blur: Adjust the blur amount (often controlled by a slider) to achieve the desired level of bokeh.
5. Bokeh Shape (Optional): Some apps allow you to choose the shape of the bokeh.
6. Save and Share: Save the edited photo.
* Pros: Convenient, easy to use.
* Cons: Can look artificial. The quality of the bokeh isn't as good as a real lens.
Tips for All Techniques
* Distance is Key: Increase the distance between your subject and the background. The further away the background, the more blurred it will become.
* Light is Important: Bright point light sources in the background will create the most noticeable bokeh.
* Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment! Try different techniques, distances, and light sources to see what works best.
* Post-Processing: You can further enhance the bokeh effect in post-processing software like GIMP (free) or Photoshop. Adding a slight glow or increasing contrast can make the bokeh more pronounced.
Why these techniques are affordable
* Petroleum jelly/Vaseline: A tiny amount is all you need. A small jar is cheap and lasts a long time.
* Construction Paper/Cardstock: Very inexpensive and readily available.
* Smartphone Apps: Many are free or have free trial periods.
Important Considerations
* Sharp Focus: No matter which technique you use, make sure your subject is sharply in focus! Bokeh is only appealing if the subject is clear.
* Lens Quality: Even with these tricks, the quality of your lens will affect the final result. A good lens will produce smoother and more pleasing bokeh, even at smaller apertures.
By combining these affordable techniques with a little creativity, you can create beautiful bokeh portraits without breaking the bank! Good luck and happy shooting!