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How to take Bokeh-ful Photos with Christmas Lights

Writer's picture: The ShutterbugThe Shutterbug

What is Bokeh?

Christmas ornament with an example of bokeh
Sharp foreground, bokeh heavy background.

Before we dive in, here’s a quick break-down of what bokeh is. Bokeh is the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light – it is that aesthetically pleasing circular shape that you see in many stock photos and professional portraits. Christmas is a season of lights, and the perfect time to perfect your skills at capturing bokeh.


To product bokeh, it is best to purchase a lens f/4 or wider. Our recommended lenses that won't break your budget are the following:




The reason why we recommend a 50mm, if you don't already own one, is because it is the most affordable lens in most cases, where you have a lens with the wide aperture of f/1.8. Generally these lenses can be purchased for between $125-299.


If you already have several lenses, any focal length between 35mm-300mm, with an aperture of f/1.4-f/4, is preferred.


No bokeh - f/16

Bokeh - f/1.8

What Settings Should You Use?


You will want to open your aperture as wide as possible, the wider the aperture, the smoother your bokeh will look. In order to open your aperture, you will want to either shoot in Aperture priority mode, or Manual mode. In aperture mode, you will only need to keep an eye on your ISO and aperture, in manual, you will have to manipulate your aperture, ISO and shutter speed.


For this quick guide, let's have you start with aperture priority mode, and turn your ISO to auto.


There are two ways to proceed: Take a photo of a subject with plenty of bokeh in the background, or to shoot just a photo of the bokeh itself. Tip: If you want circular bokeh, be sure that your light source is in the foreground or background. Shooting when the room is dark or outdoors when it is dark, will enhance how your bokeh stands out.


Notice that bokeh can be seen in the foreground AND background

In order to take a photo of a subject with plenty of bokeh in the background or foreground, you will want to make sure your subject is a sufficient distance away or between your holiday lighting. Depending on your lens, you may find that certain distances may offer a better bokeh effect.


If you are shooting with a lens 50mm or above, you will notice that you do not have to ‘work’ as hard to find where the background will start to create a beautiful bokeh.


If you are interested in only taking a photo of the bokeh, switch your camera or lens into manual focus mode. Toggle your lens out of focus until you notice that the bokeh is to your liking and take a couple photos.


Now you have several gorgeous photos to share with friends and family! If you are having trouble, don’t be afraid to check in with your friends at The Shutterbug Camera Stores!


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John
John
1月15日

This is such a helpful guide for creating beautiful bokeh photos with Christmas lights! I especially appreciate the tip about adjusting the aperture to get those dreamy, blurred light effects. It’s fascinating how something as simple as Christmas lights can transform into stunning art with the right technique.

As someone juggling multiple responsibilities, finding time to dive into hobbies like photography can be tough. I sometimes have to pay someone to do my assignment to free up time for creative pursuits like this. Thanks for inspiring me to pick up my camera and experiment with bokeh this holiday season!

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ableathers99
1月11日

WOW!!! Just found your blog. THIS IS AMAZING!!!!

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Alice gomez
Alice gomez
2024年12月30日

Capturing magical bokeh with Christmas lights can elevate your photography game. Bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas in an image, creating soft, blurred backgrounds that make your subject pop. Here are some tips:


  • Use a fast lens with a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8).

  • Create distance between your subject and the background lights.

  • Experiment with manual focus for artistic effects.


Perfecting bokeh takes practice, but it’s rewarding for photographers. Need help with creative assignments or academic tasks? MyAssignmentHelp provides expert assignment help for students exploring art, photography, and beyond. Focus on your passion while we take care of your academic challenges!

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Harry Parker
Harry Parker
2024年12月24日

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