Key Concepts for Bokeh:
* Wide Aperture: A wide aperture (low f-number like f/1.8, f/2.8, or even f/3.5) creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background.
* Distance to Subject: Moving the subject further away from the background increases the background blur.
* Lens Quality: While expensive lenses often have *smoother* bokeh, you can still get decent results with kit lenses or older lenses.
* Background Elements: Points of light in the background (e.g., street lights, Christmas lights, sunlight filtering through trees) create the round bokeh shapes.
Here's the strategy, broken down into steps:
1. Leverage What You Already Have (and Free Resources):
* Your Camera: The camera body itself doesn't matter as much as the lens and the lighting/composition. Even a smartphone can contribute if you focus on the other elements.
* Lens:
* Kit Lens: If you have a standard kit lens (e.g., 18-55mm, 24-70mm), use it at its widest aperture (usually f/3.5-f/5.6 at the telephoto end). Zoom in to the longest focal length (55mm or 70mm) to compress the background and enhance blur.
* Smartphone: Many modern smartphones have "portrait mode," which attempts to simulate shallow depth of field using software. These can produce decent, though sometimes artificial-looking, bokeh.
* Lighting:
* Natural Light (Golden Hour): The best light is free! Shoot during the golden hour (the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset) for warm, soft light that will flatter your subject and enhance the background.
* Open Shade: If you can't shoot during golden hour, find open shade (shade that is lit by indirect sunlight, like under a tree or in a doorway). This will avoid harsh shadows.
* DIY Reflector (Free): Use a piece of white cardboard or even a white sheet to bounce light onto your subject's face, filling in shadows.
* Backgrounds:
* String Lights: Perfect for instant bokeh! Hang them on a bush, a wall, or even just hold them behind your subject. (Consider that many people already own Christmas lights.)
* Foliage: Sunlight filtering through leaves creates beautiful natural bokeh.
* Urban Lights: City lights at night, particularly from a distance, can create a stunning bokeh effect.
* Editing Software (Free):
* Your phone's built-in editor: Many phones have basic adjustment tools that can help enhance color and contrast.
* Snapseed (Mobile, Free): A powerful mobile photo editor with selective adjustments and blur tools.
* GIMP (Desktop, Free): A free and open-source alternative to Photoshop. It has powerful masking and blurring capabilities.
2. DIY Bokeh Shapes (Spending That $10):
This is where you can get creative! You'll need:
* Black Cardstock or Thick Paper (approx. $2-3): This will be used to create a lens cover.
* Scissors or a Craft Knife (Most people already own this): For cutting the cardstock.
* Pencil or Pen: For tracing and drawing.
* Tape (Masking Tape, Gaffer Tape, or even Scotch Tape): To attach the cardstock to your lens.
How to make the custom bokeh filter:
1. Measure Your Lens Diameter: Use a ruler to measure the diameter of the front of your lens.
2. Cut a Circle: Cut a circle out of the black cardstock that is slightly larger than the diameter of your lens.
3. Cut a Hole in the Center: Cut a hole in the center of the circle, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Create Your Shape: In the center of the hole, cut out the desired shape (e.g., heart, star, snowflake, etc.). Keep the shape relatively small – about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in diameter. The smaller the shape, the more defined the bokeh will be, but the less light will enter the lens. Larger shapes will allow more light, but the bokeh effect may be less pronounced.
5. Attach to Your Lens: Carefully tape the cardstock circle to the front of your lens, ensuring that the shape is centered. Make sure no light leaks around the edges.
3. Shooting the Portrait:
* Choose Your Background: Position your subject in front of your chosen bokeh-rich background.
* Distance is Key: Have your subject stand a good distance away from the background (at least 6-10 feet, or more if possible). The further, the better for bokeh.
* Wide Aperture: Set your lens to its widest aperture (lowest f-number).
* Zoom In (If Using a Kit Lens): Zoom to the longest focal length your lens allows.
* Focus Carefully: Focus sharply on your subject's eyes.
* Take Lots of Photos: Experiment with different angles, poses, and lighting conditions.
4. Editing (If Desired):
* Adjust Exposure and Contrast: Make sure your subject is properly exposed and that the contrast is pleasing.
* Color Correction: Adjust the white balance and color saturation to your liking.
* Selective Adjustments: Use selective adjustments to brighten your subject's eyes or smooth their skin.
* Add Blur (Sparingly): If needed, use a subtle blur tool in your editing software to further enhance the background blur, but be careful not to overdo it.
Example Scenario:
Let's say you have a basic DSLR with an 18-55mm kit lens.
1. Background: You find a string of Christmas lights in your attic (free!).
2. Time of Day: You shoot during the golden hour, near sunset.
3. DIY Filter: You spend $3 on black cardstock and create a heart-shaped bokeh filter.
4. Camera Settings: You set your lens to 55mm and f/5.6 (the widest aperture at that focal length).
5. Subject Placement: You have your subject stand about 8 feet in front of the string lights.
6. Lighting: You use a piece of white cardboard to bounce some sunlight onto your subject's face.
Tips and Considerations:
* Experiment! Don't be afraid to try different settings, backgrounds, and DIY techniques.
* Focus is Critical: Make sure your subject is sharp. The blur is only effective if the subject is in focus.
* Less is More: Be careful not to over-edit your photos. A natural-looking bokeh portrait is often more appealing.
* Check Your Results: Review your photos on a large screen to ensure that the bokeh effect is working properly and that your subject is in focus.
By following these steps and using a little creativity, you can create a beautiful bokeh portrait for under $10! Good luck and have fun!