Sunday, February 13, 2011

Bokeh - Learn an easy manual camera setting

Bokeh is that wonderful haze or blur you can create in the out of focus background of a picture.  It helps you to focus on the object and at the same time makes the background more visually appealing. In the past, I thought it could only be achieved with my photo editing software. But, thanks to Tracy at Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures, I now know that this effect can be achieved right on my camera. Let me show you the difference -
Auto setting

AV mode on my Canon Rebel XS Aperture 4.0 (smallest number, largest aperture)
It takes just seconds and the roll of a knob on my camera to change the aperture. On the standard lens that my camera came with the lowest number (largest aperature, most blurry background) is 4.00. I could upgrade my lens to improve this feature as well as shutter speed. Tracy has some examples on her site with some even larger aperture settings. Take a look here. If you are wondering why I chose to shoot a photo of lichen and moss...everything pretty has died here in Florida after three or four hard freezes in the last month. Crazy weather here too.

I can't wait to play with this new setting more. Thanks for teaching me a bit more about my camera, Tracy. I'm looking forward to joining you at your Bokeh Party on Tuesday, February 15th.
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13 comments:

  1. Cindy AdkinsFebruary 13, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Oh, that's super-neat!!! I love the results, Vicki...and thank you for sharing the method with all of us.

    Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!!!
    XO

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  2. Brenda PruittFebruary 13, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Oh, I'm going to be lazy and let you do all the work. I just can't seem to summon up the energy to play with the camera settings. I'm just one of those "automatic gals."
    Brenda

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  3. Anne LorysFebruary 13, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    I'll have to head on over to that party!
    I love my 50mm 1.4 lens, I get some seriously awesome bokeh with that baby! :-)

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  4. AliceFebruary 14, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    I've been wondering how to achieve this lovely hazy effect, and figured I'd have to shell out a bunch of cash for Photoshop. Thanks for sharing this. I'll have to practice and see what my camera can do.

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  5. Tracy's Trinkets and TreasuresFebruary 14, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    You did such a good job and I love that you showed the difference from just a little switch of the camera. It makes you wonder why you were ever so scared to get out of auto huh? Thanks for joining the party and spreading the word.

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  6. DebbiedoosFebruary 14, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    I love what you did Vicki! What great shots...it just is so much fun learning and playing with our camera's!

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  7. PamFebruary 14, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    Great auto/manual shots. At Christmas I was addicted to bokeh shots with the tree in the background. It's fun to learn new camera "stuff".

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  8. Kelsie from Our Country Home and Studio PhotographyFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Great Bokeh...I am another FL gal ready for the freezes to be over and the pretty stuff to grow again.

    Blessings Kelsie

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  9. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastalFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Vicki, I love that shot of the moss. It's very cool and you got great bokeh. I'm in FL too and everything around here is still brown. I hope something survived!

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  10. TammyFebruary 15, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Ok ick. I can't wait till your florida is green again so we can get some cool shots of beauty :) You are learning so much - me not so much..
    tammy

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  11. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsFebruary 15, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    Great shots!!!

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  12. Crafty SistersFebruary 15, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    Nicely done! There's not much alive here too! :)

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  13. Honey at 2805February 15, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    I like that your showed the difference: auto vs. the "bokeh method".

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