How to create Bokeh photos?

[caitmarie619]

Hi-
I am wondering how to create bokeh photos. Any information you may have/techniques you've tried, would be greatly appreciated! Please be as specific as possible; I would LOVE to create photos like this! Thank you!

[tuxcomputers]

Close subject and a fast lens wide open.

[mad editor]

Keeping the subject away from the background also helps.

[RichardTaylor]

If you are talking about out of focus highights.

Then
(1) Make sure you have some in the background of your pic and preferably against a darker distant background - so you can see them

(2) Use a lens hood to reduce flare (you will be shooting towards the sun).

(3) Use a wide aperture. The quality of the bokeh will be lens dependant

Example (1)


Camera Canon EOS 5D + Canon 24-105 F4 L IS lens
Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 105 mm
ISO Speed 400

If you are talking about a smooth background and/or foreground
(1) pick your background carefully
(2) Shoot "thorough" (partially) a foreground object.
(3) Shoot at a wide aperture.

Example (2)

Camera Canon EOS 40D + Canon 135 F2 L lens.
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture f/2.0
Focal Length 135 mm
ISO Speed 200

[mad editor]

Lovely shots, Richard.

[RichardTaylor]

Thanks very much.