Understanding the Goal:
* Bokeh: The pleasing aesthetic quality of out-of-focus blur in a photograph, often seen as soft, rounded circles of light. The goal is to mimic this effect without expensive lenses.
* Portrait: A picture of a person's face and/or upper body.
* Under $10: This means we need to be very resourceful and probably repurpose/reuse items.
Methods & Materials:
Here are several approaches, you can combine them for the best results:
1. DIY Bokeh Filter (Most Common & Effective - Requires a Phone/Camera with Macro Capability)
* Materials:
* Cardboard/Thick Paper: (Free - Recycle a cereal box or junk mail)
* Scissors/Craft Knife: (Already likely have)
* Tape: (Already likely have - masking tape, scotch tape)
* Markers/Pens (Optional): For decorating the filter
* Colored cellophane paper or gels (Optional): Adds color to the bokeh. Can be found cheap at dollar stores, or you might have some wrapping paper scraps.
* Cost: Effectively $0 - $2 (if buying tape/paper specifically)
* How to:
1. Cut a Circle: Cut a circle of cardboard large enough to cover the front of your phone's camera lens or the lens of your camera.
2. Center Hole: Cut a small hole *in the center* of the cardboard circle. The size of the hole will affect the bokeh shape and brightness. Experiment! Start with a small hole (1/4 inch diameter).
3. Shape Template: Cut out a shape you want to see in your bokeh from another piece of cardboard. Hearts, stars, moons, or simple geometric shapes work well.
4. Attach Template: Tape the shape template *over* the small hole in the cardboard circle. The shape *defines* your bokeh.
5. Attach to Camera: Tape the cardboard circle filter *securely* to the front of your camera lens (phone or camera). Make sure it's centered.
6. Take the Shot:
* Use a light source behind your subject (Christmas lights, string lights, city lights at night).
* Focus on your subject. The background lights should turn into your chosen shapes.
* Get close to your subject. This helps blur the background.
* Experiment with different light source distances and intensities to adjust the bokeh.
* Tips:
* Experiment with the size and shape of the central hole. Smaller holes are sharper but require more light.
* Hold the filter securely to avoid camera shake.
* Use a tripod or stable surface for sharper images, especially in low light.
* This works best with smartphone cameras that have macro mode.
2. Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly "Lens"
* Materials:
* Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly: (Already likely have, or a tiny travel size is cheap)
* Clear Plastic Wrap (Optional): Helps contain the Vaseline.
* Cost: Under $2 (if buying Vaseline)
* How to:
1. Apply Sparingly: Very lightly smear a *thin* layer of Vaseline around the *edges* of your camera lens (phone or camera). DO NOT get it on the center of the lens!
2. Take the Shot: Focus on your subject. The Vaseline will create a soft, dreamy effect around the edges.
* Tips:
* Use *very little* Vaseline. Too much will blur the entire image.
* Clean the lens *immediately* after use with a microfiber cloth.
* Practice to get the right amount of blurring.
3. DIY String Lights Background (Focus on the Environment)
* Materials:
* String Lights: (Already have Christmas lights? Great! If not, cheap sets are often found at dollar stores or thrift stores).
* Cost: $1 - $5 (if buying lights)
* How to:
1. Set up Lights: Hang string lights behind your subject. The more lights, the better. Crumple the string lights up in a way to add depth.
2. Position Subject: Place your subject in front of the lights.
3. Focus: Focus on your subject. The string lights will naturally blur into bokeh.
4. Aperture (if using a camera): If you have a camera with adjustable aperture, use the widest aperture setting (lowest f-number, like f/1.8 or f/2.8) to maximize the bokeh.
* Tips:
* Experiment with the distance between your subject and the lights.
* Use different colors of lights for a variety of effects.
* This works well indoors or outdoors at night.
4. Refraction Bokeh (Experimental)
* Materials:
* Clear plastic bottle or drinking glass (Recycle/Free)
* Water (Free)
* Light Source (Window or Lamp)
* Tape
* Cost: Free
* How To
1. Fill the bottle or glass with water.
2. Tape it to the front of your lens (phone or camera). You might need to experiment with how close it is.
3. Position the subject in front of a window or lamp.
4. The light refracts through the water and glass, creating some interesting bokeh patterns.
Important Considerations:
* Light: Bokeh is all about how light is rendered. Good lighting is essential, both on your subject and in the background. Experiment with different light sources and angles.
* Focus: Accurate focus on your subject is crucial. The background needs to be out of focus for bokeh to be visible.
* Distance: Get as close to your subject as you can (without distorting their features) while keeping the background farther away. This helps separate the subject and blur the background.
* Practice: Experiment with different techniques, materials, and settings. Don't be afraid to try new things!
Software Assistance (Post-Processing - If you have a photo editing app)
* While not *true* bokeh, you can add a bokeh effect in post-processing using photo editing apps like Snapseed (free), Lightroom Mobile (free with limitations), or other photo editors. This involves blurring the background and adding bokeh shapes. This can be a good option if your initial photo doesn't have enough natural bokeh.
Ethical Considerations:
* Consent: Always obtain consent from the person you are photographing before taking and sharing their picture.
* Respect: Be respectful of your subject and their time.
* Safety: Be careful when using scissors, knives, or other sharp objects. Don't point lights directly into people's eyes.
By combining these low-cost methods and experimenting with different approaches, you can create beautiful and unique bokeh portraits without breaking the bank. Good luck and have fun!