While a lot of portraiture tends to use shallow depth of field to isolate the subject in the frame, achieving bokeh in the background tends to be a byproduct rather than intentional effect for many. These images below emphasise the bokeh and show some of the creative effects that are achievable if you put a little thought into it.
Now, the great thing about creating similar bokeh in your portraits is that you don’t need fancy equipment. Even kit lenses will do. Keep your background at a distance, extend the lens to its longest focal length and then get as close to your subject as you can while still keeping them in focus.
Hopefully, these images will give you a few ideas and inspiration.
Don’t forget that this month’s Light Stalking Projects are all about portraiture so if you would like to get some images like these, they are worth taking a look at.
If you’re looking for more creative portrait ideas, then take a look at this month’s Light Stalking Weekly Projects.
