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How to Get a Bokeh Effect With a Photo Shot for a Portrait

Bokeh is a Japanese word that means fuzziness. In photography, bokeh is the common name for a blurred out background in a photograph. Bokeh often involves some sort of blurred light source in the background; however, having blurred lights is not a requirement for good bokeh. When lighting is incorporated into bokeh, the effect can also give the photograph a dream-like glow. Bokeh is often used in portrait photography to add focus onto the subject. With the right equipment and a little practice anyone can take beautiful portraits that utilize the bokeh effect.

Things You'll Need

SLR camera
Zoom lens
Tripod

Instructions

- 1
  Turn your camera to automatic mode by rotating the dial on the top of your camera. On some DSLR cameras you may have to access the menu using the viewfinder on the back of your camera.
- 2
  Adjust the aperture to its lowest setting on your camera by rotating the aperture ring located on the lens. On most zoom lenses you will lower it to f/4.5; however, some models may go to f/1.8.
- 3
  Mount your camera on its tripod by threading the tripod bolt onto the threads located on the bottom of the camera. Position the tripod where you will be taking a photograph.
- 4
  Stand your subject as close to the camera and as far away from any background as possible. Check your camera's viewfinder and adjust it so that the subject is in clear focus and the background appears blurry. Focus the camera by rotating the focus ring on the lens.
- 5
  Press the trigger release button to take the portrait.

Photography