12.19.2013
Reindeer Bokeh {Or, Putting Pretty Lights Behind Your Photos}
One of my absolute favorite things to do this time of year is to take photos using the "bokeh effect" - i.e. pretty, out-of-focus lights in the background of a photo with a sharp subject in the foreground. Christmas trees packed with little lights make a perfect backdrop to experiment with this effect.
To do this, you're going to need a DSLR camera or a point and shoot with manual settings, but don't be scared away by the idea of switching into manual mode. I promise it's not very complicated :). I explained this technique in lots more detail in a post I wrote up last year, but the basic idea is to place an object (or a person!) several feet away from the lights you want to look blurry in the background, set your camera to a low f-stop (wide aperture), focus your camera on the object in the foreground, and shoot away.
For these shots, the regal reindeer from my mantle was kind enough to volunteer to himself as a model. He's a nice-looking model isn't he? You know what would've been cuter than a reindeer though? A chubby baby, or a smiley kid. So if you have one of those at your disposal, I'd suggest you try that :). A silver reindeer works pretty well as a substitute though, ha!
I took a bunch of photos, but I think the following three are good examples of the different looks that the bokeh effect can have on photos.
I took all of these photos with my 50mm lens set on an f-stop of 1.8, and adjusted the shutter speed accordingly. The only thing I truly changed was the distance Mr. Reindeer stood from the Christmas tree.
From about five feet, the lights look like this:
(Mr. Reindeer thought it was a good idea to hang out in my festive tinsel-filled bowl for this shot.)
The lights are pretty twinkly here, but I personally like for my subject to be more like 7 to 12 feet away from the lights. The farther the object is from the lights behind it, the blurrier and more abstract they look.
Here's what I got from about 7 feet away:
I just love the contrast between the sharp foreground object and the blurry lights in the background.
Then finally, here's Mr. Reindeer about 12 feet in front of the tree:
Of course, our baby Christmas tree is much smaller from this far away and takes up less space in the shot, but the effect of the lights is mighty lovely. Just think of what it would look like with a huge tree in the background!
Big thanks to Mr. Reindeer for being such a good model for indulging me in this little experiment. Again, if you want to read more of the technical stuff about the bokeh effect and how to achieve it, head to this post. There are also more photos there. If you have any questions, let me know! I'm always happy to help :).

Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
parada bags
ReplyDeletetrue religion jeans outlet
polo ralph lauren
adidas yeezy boost
coach factory outlet online
adidas running shoes
discount oakley sunglasses
birkenstocks
michael kors bags
nike free run flyknit
20170603yuanyuan
Gotoessayhelp is a round the clock essay help service which caters solutions request to various subjects’ tools & methodology in a multi environment learning concept for the subjects like clock essay helper. We are a renowned service provider of essay assignment help and have been receiving an overwhelmed response globally.
ReplyDeleteWe offer plagiarism free, original content to our clients and facilitated are clients to grow their career by using the services of our proven Ph.D. experts, as we understand how important grades for students within their academic purview. u will experience a hassle-free service and top-class quality.
I loved reading this! I try to just do my own thing on my blog, but it’s nice to have people who inspire.
ReplyDeletewww.freesitemaker.net/how-to-make-a-website/ecommerce-website-structure
مقاله های معتبر انگلیسی عموما پر از اصطلاحات تخصصی و نامفهوم است که ترجمه آنها اگر توسط متخصص تباشد چه بسا اشتباه ترجمه شده و معنی آن به کلی تغییر کند و مسیر تحقیقات شما را به کلی عوض نموده و شما را سردرگم کند. به همین دلیل تیم ترجمه آنلاین با درنظر گرفتن بهترین مترجمان در رشته های مختلف به شما کمک میکند تا ترجمه تخصصی مقاله های خود را به دست متخصص آن رشته بسپارید و بهترین نتیجه را بگیرید. کافیست یک بارامتحان کنید.
ReplyDeleteWe are proud of our best Dissertation Help Singapore experts because of their dedication providing continuous support to students by helping them meet deadlines and scoring better grades. We understand how important academic assessments are in developing a student's career and future opportunities, this is why we take extreme measures to ensure that all our solutions are best-in-class. All students looking for assignment help Singapore can reach us and avail the best online Dissertation writing services from our academic experts. Our primary motive is not only to provide you with the best help but also to make your journey smooth. The increasing importance of writing assignments has prompted students to take a helping hand from assignment writing services. During higher studies in colleges, students often have to prepare multiple documents, quizzes, and surprise tests. This is the main reason why most students search for Dissertation editing services over the internet and choose only the most proficient and trusted academic writing experts.
ReplyDeleteوب سایت یکی از مهم ترین ویژگی ها در تجارت است. طراحی وب سایت با ظاهری عالی ، حرفه ای و تخصصی و بالاترین و حرفه ای ترین خدمات در کوتاه ترین زمان با کیفیتی مانند طراحی فروشگاه اینترنتی دیجی کالا، هر آنچه شما لازم دارید.بهترین ها را از ما بخواهید
ReplyDeleteدانلود آهنگ جدید
ReplyDeleteدانلود آهنگ جدید
آهنگ شاد رقصیدنی
ریمیکس رادیو جوان
ریمیکس شاد قدیمی
آهنگ تولدت مبارک
آهنگ پرسپولیس
آهنگ رپ خارجی
آهنگ های علی یاسینی
آهنگ شاد عروسی
Best Mobile App Development Company in Delhi, India. We are creating all type of Mobile App like Android, iOS, Window etc. We Are Specialist in E-Commerce App, Online Education App and many More.
ReplyDeleteMobile App Development Company in Delhi
DMA Business Services is Best one stop solution driven Best App Development Company
ReplyDeleteThis is Great Article and it is informatics. Being the outstanding website development company in East Delhi. .
ReplyDeleteWebsite Designing Company In East Delhi
Website Design Company in Hapur
Top 10 CBSC Schools in Meerut
Satta King Result
Top SEO Company Meerut
disawar satta king Chart
This article is the best. that I've ever read. It provides both benefits and a lot of knowledge. ทดลองเล่นเกมสล็อต
ReplyDeletecontent of this article I think it's very good It's content that is informative and useful for everyone. บาคาร่าufabet
ReplyDeleteLet's take a look at the websites that can make us money. It is a website where just a little study can make us money.สล็อตเริ่มต้น 1 บาท
ReplyDeleteClick into it. You will find many resources. that you have never learned before Which is very useful to you. ค่ายเกมUfaSlot
ReplyDeleteThis is not a favor or something. But I want to say that it's really good. I've read it and it's been very helpful. ยูฟ่าสล็อตแตกง่าย
ReplyDeleteThis website can find a lot of knowledge. รีวิวเกมสล็อต Red Tiger
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good blog site, I've read every article, it's really good. เล่นเกมสล็อตไม่มีขั้นต่ำ
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Good blog. Keep sharing. I love them Are you also searching for professional nursing paper help? we are the best solution for you.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion and according to my readings in "Getting to know 7 travel hygiene items that are essential to take!" When we travel to different destinations, we are no longer in normal everyday conditions and different factors can affect our health. For example, if we cut our hands, sit next to sick people on the bus, or even eat food outdoors, we will not be able to protect our health without following some tips. For this reason, we recommend that you carry the most essential hygiene items with you during your trip so that you can experience a healthy and hassle-free trip.
ReplyDeletenice blog
ReplyDeleteLooking to hire an online exam helper? Ireland Assignment Helper provides reliable and affordable services for students seeking assistance with their exams. With a team of experienced professionals, we ensure that you receive top-quality help and achieve academic success. Contact us today to get started!