Understanding Bokeh:
* What is Bokeh? Bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image, especially point light sources. It's often described as creamy, dreamy, or smooth.
* Key Factors: Bokeh is mainly determined by the aperture of the lens (wider aperture = more bokeh) and the distance between the subject, background, and the camera.
Methods Under $10:
1. DIY Bokeh Filter/Shape:
* Materials:
* Cardboard or thick paper (free): Recycle a cereal box, cardboard mailer, or thick construction paper.
* Craft knife/Scissors (free if you have them): Be careful when using sharp tools!
* Tape (free if you have it): Masking tape, electrical tape, or even packaging tape works.
* How to Make:
1. Measure your lens diameter: Carefully measure the outer diameter of the lens you want to use.
2. Cut a circle: Cut a circle of cardboard slightly larger than your lens diameter.
3. Cut a hole: Cut a circular hole in the center of the cardboard, roughly the same size as the front element of your lens (the part you look through).
4. Cut a Shape: In the center of the hole you just made, cut out a small shape. This is what will determine the shape of your bokeh. Popular shapes include:
* Hearts
* Stars
* Circles
* Triangles
5. Attach to your Lens: Tape the cardboard circle securely to the front of your lens. Make sure it's centered.
* How to Use:
* Wide Aperture: Set your camera to the widest aperture (lowest f-number) your lens allows (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8).
* Distance: Position your subject far enough from the background so that it is significantly blurred. The further the distance, the more intense the bokeh will be.
* Background Lights: Use string lights, Christmas lights, city lights, or any small, bright lights in the background.
* Focus: Focus on your subject.
* Cost: $0 if you have the materials around your house.
2. Cellophane/Colored Wrap Bokeh (More Subtle):
* Materials:
* Cellophane wrap or colored plastic wrap (under $5): Check dollar stores or craft stores. Choose translucent colors.
* Rubber band or tape (free if you have it):
* How to Make:
1. Cut a piece: Cut a piece of cellophane/wrap slightly larger than the front of your lens.
2. Cover the Lens: Stretch the cellophane over the lens opening, creating a single layer.
3. Secure: Secure with a rubber band or tape around the edges. Make sure it's tight enough so it won't fall off during the shot.
* How to Use:
* Wide Aperture: Set your camera to the widest aperture your lens allows.
* Distance: Distance between the subject and background is still important, create separation.
* Background Lights: Use background lights.
* Focus: Focus on your subject.
* Result: This method creates a softer, more diffused bokeh effect with a subtle color tint depending on the color of the cellophane.
* Cost: Under $5
3. DIY Background (Free or Low Cost):
* Materials:
* String lights or Christmas lights (if you don't have them, you can often borrow some): These are the key to creating the bokeh.
* A sheet, blanket, or large piece of cardboard (free): To serve as a backdrop.
* Tape, clips, or safety pins (free if you have them): To hang the lights.
* How to Make:
1. Set up the backdrop: Hang the sheet or cardboard on a wall or stand.
2. Hang the lights: Arrange the string lights on the backdrop, creating a random or patterned arrangement. You can drape them, hang them in rows, or bunch them together.
3. Position your Subject: Place your subject in front of the lit backdrop.
* How to Use:
* Wide Aperture: Use the widest aperture possible.
* Distance: Distance between subject, and background is key.
* Focus: Focus on the subject.
* Cost: $0 - $5 (if you need to buy string lights from a dollar store)
Camera Settings and Tips:
* Aperture: Use the widest aperture (lowest f-number) your lens allows (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8, f/3.5).
* Focal Length: Longer focal lengths (e.g., 50mm, 85mm) generally produce more pleasing bokeh than wider focal lengths.
* Distance:
* Subject to Background: Maximize the distance between your subject and the background to create a more blurred background.
* Camera to Subject: Experiment with the distance between your camera and the subject to see how it affects the bokeh.
* Lighting:
* Backlighting: Positioning your subject with the background lights behind them will enhance the bokeh.
* Natural Light: Use natural light to illuminate your subject, especially if you're shooting outdoors.
* Manual Focus (Optional): Experiment with manual focus. Slightly defocusing the background can sometimes enhance the bokeh effect.
* Post-Processing (Optional): Use photo editing software (even free mobile apps) to subtly enhance the bokeh by increasing contrast or adding a slight glow to the background.
Important Considerations:
* Lens Quality: While these methods can help, the quality of your lens will still play a role. A better lens will generally produce smoother, more pleasing bokeh. However, these DIY techniques can significantly improve the bokeh even with basic lenses.
* Experimentation: The best way to learn is to experiment. Try different shapes, colors, distances, and lighting conditions to see what works best for you.
By using these simple and inexpensive DIY methods, you can create beautiful bokeh portraits without spending a fortune! Have fun and be creative!