Homemade filters, gels, etc.the EASY way,

[prabbit237]

Everyone seems to be determined to create the next filter holder that'll cost less than $0.05, will convert all your pictures in to masterpieces and will sell for $1,000,000 to the masses but yet it seems like everyone's skipping some of the most obvious.

If ya want a colored filter for the lens, or a neutral density filter or anything else like that (even a bokeh mask) if ya make them thin enough (like maybe the thickness of card stock) and the right diameter, just sandwich them between the end of the lens and a UV filter or between two UV filters. Instant filter holder and easy to swap out.

Buy the bukeh master kit from here Bokeh Masters Kit Buy and have that clunky holder that needs a rubberband on it? Just put the disks in between the UV filters and have fun. (cut the holder down in size if the disks are too small. If they're too large, cut down the disks themselves.)

Get a swatch book and want to use it as colored filters? Cut a circle and slap it in between the two UV's.

Seeing a pattern evolving here?

And here's my first trial at some quickie bukeh masks (printed black on one side on card stock and cut out with scissors. I've got a friend who's gonna cut me some out of black plastic plates. 8 plates for $1 at Dollar Tree and each will yield 4 disks. Those should be more durable and better edges.) Oh, and a 2" (50.8mm) disk fits into a 52mm filter very nicely. So for a 58, use a 56.8mm disk, etc.

I didn't adust these any in photoshop, I wasn't super careful on exposure being spot-on, I know the pose is crappy (kids won't pose worth a blank at times) but I was simply seeing how well the bukeh would come out. These are straight out of the camera with no PP at all.

[AnneWynne]

Brilliant!