DIY customized bokeh

[nick_cool]

1. Get a dark paper or carton and cut a circle the size the lens you have, 52mm in my case.
2. Cut in the center the image you want.
3. Put the paper in front of the lens and set the camera at aperture priority with the maximum aperture (smaller f number)
4. Put some punctual small lights on the background at 4 or 5 times the distance to the main subject. I used the miniature lights used in Christmas trees, but any source that generates strong contrast with small zones of light will work.
5. Focus in a near subject letting the background out of focus, you should be able to see the bokeh.
6. Adjust the desired bokeh changing the distance to the in focus area, or eventually the size of the hole made.
7. Shoot!
8. Try with several sizes and shapes, it is just paper and a lot of fun!
   
   
   Note, every lenshave different bokeh, I tried with a Nikon 24mm, a Tokina 70-210mmand Nikon 50mm f/1.8, and the last one got the better results.

You should be able to see circular bokeh just focusing in a near subject and letting theproper background out of focus. What is changed is the bokeh’sshape.
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More DYI at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nick_cool2000/

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Do mouse bokeh with your cat!

 

[Trevor Harris]

Just a question here - Why do you have your camera name and model blacked out?