Understanding the Goal
Bokeh is that aesthetically pleasing blur in the out-of-focus areas of a photograph, often seen as soft, circular orbs of light. We want to create this effect artificially since we don't have a lens with a super wide aperture (low f-number) which naturally creates this.
Methods to Achieve the Look (Focus on Cheap/DIY Solutions):
Here's a breakdown of cost-effective methods:
1. The Aluminum Foil/DIY Reflector Bokeh Method:
* Cost: Under $5 (most people already have this stuff)
* Materials:
* Aluminum foil (already have this, or purchase a roll)
* Cardboard (recycle a box)
* Tape (packing, masking, or painter's tape)
* Scissors or a craft knife
* String or wire (for hanging)
* How it Works: You're creating a background of tiny specular (point-like) reflections, which will render as bokeh when out of focus.
* Steps:
1. Prepare the Cardboard: Cut the cardboard into a relatively large rectangle (at least 2ft x 3ft is a good starting point, larger is usually better). This is your reflector base.
2. Crumple the Foil: Crumple the aluminum foil into small, tight balls. This creates a textured, reflective surface. Avoid ripping the foil too much. You want it somewhat intact.
3. Attach the Foil: Tape the crumpled foil balls tightly and evenly all over the cardboard surface. The more foil and the more densely packed, the more bokeh you'll get. Overlap the foil balls slightly.
4. Hang the Reflector: Attach string or wire to the back of the cardboard so you can hang it. You'll need to position it behind your subject.
5. Lighting: This method relies on having some kind of light source illuminating the foil from the side. This could be:
* Direct Sunlight: The most powerful and easiest if the weather cooperates.
* Indoor Light Source: A lamp with a bare bulb (avoid fluorescent or LEDs if possible; incandescent or halogen is better). Position the lamp to shine on the foil. Experiment with angles.
6. Camera Settings:
* Distance is Key: Position your subject as far away from the foil background as possible (at least several feet, ideally more). This maximizes the blur.
* Zoom In: Use the zoom on your smartphone, or if using a dedicated camera, use the maximum zoom. Zooming in reduces the depth of field (increases blur).
* Focus: Focus *precisely* on your subject's eyes.
* Aperture (if possible): If you have any control over aperture settings, use the widest aperture (lowest f-number) possible. Many smartphone cameras have a "portrait mode" that does this automatically.
7. Take the Shot: Experiment with different angles, distances, and lighting until you achieve the desired bokeh effect.
2. The Fairy Lights/String Lights Method:
* Cost: $5 - $10 (depending on if you already have lights)
* Materials:
* String of fairy lights or Christmas lights (LEDs work fine). Choose lights with small bulbs for more distinct bokeh shapes. Warm white or multicolored lights can be nice.
* Tape or clips
* How it Works: The lights are the source of the bokeh orbs. The out-of-focus lights in the background become the bokeh.
* Steps:
1. Position the Lights: Hang or drape the fairy lights behind your subject. Experiment with different arrangements:
* Drape them on a wall.
* Hang them from the ceiling.
* Place them in a sheer fabric behind the subject.
2. Distance is Key: Again, the further the lights are from the subject, the more blurred they will be.
3. Camera Settings:
* Dark Environment: This method works best in a dimly lit room.
* Zoom In: Use the zoom on your smartphone.
* Focus: Focus *precisely* on your subject.
* Aperture (if possible): Use the widest aperture possible. Portrait mode is great here.
4. Take the Shot: Experiment with the placement of the lights and the subject until you get the desired bokeh.
3. The "Vaseline/Filter Hack" (Use with extreme caution!)
* Cost: $0 (assuming you have vaseline)
* Materials:
* Vaseline or similar petroleum jelly
* A clear UV filter (if you have one to protect your lens) or an old clear piece of plastic. (Do NOT put vaseline directly on your lens!)
* (Optional) A piece of black paper or cardboard with a shape cut out (star, heart, etc.)
* How it works: You are creating a dreamy, soft focus effect, and the shape cut out of the black paper will show up as bokeh around bright highlights.
* Steps:
1. Protect Your Lens: It's crucial to protect your lens from the Vaseline! Attach a clear UV filter to your lens or use a piece of plastic cut to fit your lens. If you can't protect your lens, don't do this.
2. Apply a Thin Smear: Very sparingly, apply a thin, even layer of Vaseline to the filter or piece of plastic. Less is more! You want a subtle haze, not a glob.
3. Shape Cutout: If you want shaped bokeh, tape the black paper or cardboard cutout to the filter or plastic. Make sure the cutout is close to the center.
4. Camera Settings:
* Focus: Focus on your subject as best you can. The Vaseline will soften everything, so perfect focus is difficult.
* Aperture (if possible): Experiment with wider apertures (lower f-numbers) for a more pronounced effect.
5. Take the Shot: The results will be very dreamy and soft. This is a very experimental technique.
6. Clean Up: Carefully remove the filter or plastic and clean it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth and lens cleaner (or soap and water for plastic). *Never* use harsh chemicals on your lens.
4. The Water Droplet Trick (More subtle, but free)
* Cost: Free
* Materials:
* Spray bottle with water
* Water
* How it works: You are creating small points of light that appear as out-of-focus orbs in the background.
* Steps:
1. Find a Shiny Background: Find a surface that reflects light well (like a car, a window, or a metal object)
2. Spray Lightly: Lightly spray the background with water droplets
3. Position your subject. Position the subject in front of the background
4. Camera Settings:
* Zoom In: Zoom in as much as possible.
* Focus: Focus *precisely* on your subject.
* Aperture (if possible): Use the widest aperture possible. Portrait mode is great here.
5. Take the shot. The water droplets should appear as tiny bokeh balls.
Important Considerations for All Methods:
* Lighting is Crucial: Good lighting is essential for all photography, but even more so when you're trying to fake a bokeh effect. Experiment with different light sources and angles. Side lighting can be very effective.
* Distance Matters: The distance between your subject and the background is critical. The further the background, the more blurred it will be.
* Camera Settings: If you have any control over your camera settings, experiment with:
* Aperture: A wider aperture (lower f-number) will produce more shallow depth of field and more prominent bokeh.
* Focal Length: Zooming in (using a longer focal length) compresses the background and enhances the bokeh effect.
* Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment! Try different materials, lighting, and camera angles until you find a look you like.
* Post-Processing: You can enhance the bokeh effect in post-processing using photo editing software (even free apps on your phone). Adjust the blur, contrast, and saturation to get the desired look.
Example Portrait Mode Android/Iphone:
These phones have software to create bokeh like images.
1. Open the Camera app.
2. Select Portrait mode. (It might also be called "Aperture Mode" or "Bokeh Mode.")
3. Compose your shot.
4. Tap on your subject to focus.
5. Take the picture.
Important Safety Note:
* Electrical Safety: Be careful when working with electrical lights, especially near water.
* Lens Protection: As mentioned above, protect your lens from anything that could scratch or damage it.
By combining these techniques and using your creativity, you can create beautiful bokeh portraits without breaking the bank. Good luck and have fun experimenting!