Don’t take that tree down yet! Get some bokeh practice in first!
I am by no means a professional photographer. In fact, this is my first time shooting bokeh using Christmas tree lights. However, I thought I’d share some great tips for a newbie just learning to shoot bokeh.
I had better luck in the day time because I was able to shine more natural light on my subject. What you can’t see behind me is a huge window (like the one behind the tree) letting lots of light in.
TIP: You need a closer subject to focus on.
Don’t shoot an ornament hanging on the tree and expect a bubbling bokeh. Try moving father away. The bokeh should be your background.
TIP: The farther away you are, the bigger the bokeh.
TIP: Shoot with your aperture wide open!
The larger the aperture, the smaller the number. This also depends on your lens.
TIP: Shoot on Aperture Priority mode.
This is the BEST tip for newbie photographers. Set your camera to AP mode, set the aperture wide open (the lowest number), and shoot away. I used f/3.5 and f/5.0 in most of my shots but depending on the lens, you can set it as low as f/1.4.
TIP: Make sure your subject is well-lit.
Unless you’re trying to capture a low-lit dark shadowy type of image.
TIP: Try using manual focus.
If you don’t want a closer subject to focus on, try photographing your entire tree using manual focus.
Your bokeh doesn’t look like everyone elses, not to worry, every camera and lens shoot different types of bokeh. Play around and find the one you like best!
(If you’re feeling creative, check out this tutorial on how to make shaped bokeh.)
Thanks I’m going to give it a try!
Lori
Marvelous! 😉 You should come back and link up your SOOC shots with us! I’ll post the linky today at 3pm.
Great tips! Our tree is still up and I think I’ll play around with this tomorrow. I just stumbled the post also. 🙂
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 🙂
You did a great job!!!!
I love the tips! I am trying to teach myself new things with the camera. I wish I had my Christmas tree still up. I am visiting from Thirsty Thursday.
These are just wonderful tips! I am always trying to figure out how to shoot better pictures for the blog, but have a simple point and shoot. Can’t wait to get a camera that will allow more manual manipulation of the settings.
Thanks so much for sharing and for linking up at the Thirsty for Comments Thursday hop! Love seeing you there 🙂