Wednesday, December 8, 2010

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

Angel And Hearts

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.
Wonder

7 comments:

  1. Isn't fun to play?
    Those turned out awesome! Beautiful work my friend.

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  2. (came over from Shutter Sisters today) your shots turned out great... I must try this. Thanks for posting the picture of the lens so I can see how to do it!

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  3. Great shots! I love these shaped bokeh shots... I'll be trying to do some of my own soon!

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  4. Thank you - I will definitely try this - I'm inspired ♥

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  5. Fabulous! I have this on my to do list but it keeps getting put off. I'm determined to try it today.

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  6. How fun! I love playing with my camera! I want to try that with stars!

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