Heart Shaped Bokeh

With the twinkly lights on the tree, it's a perfect time for some shaped bokeh!

I read about specialty shaped bokeh last year with the Bokeh Masters Kit. But I also read a how to create your own optic filter at this post from DIY and tried it out.

Using my [seldom used] scrapbooking tools, I created a heart filter that I placed over my 50mm lens.

I was in a rush so the tape job isn't pretty, but it does the job:



It is important that your subject be placed at least 4 feet away from the lights - this will enhance the shapes and make them bigger. You need to set your aperture to as wide as it will go - I set mine to f1.8. You may have to spot meter your subject, too.

Of course, half the fun is experimenting. Having a willing subject helps, too.