Five tips for capturing the magic of bokeh with natural light

Bokeh is a beautiful effect that can add depth and dimension to your photos. It is created by out-of-focus areas of the image, resulting in a soft, dreamy background that makes your subject stand out. While you can create bokeh with artificial light sources, natural light can create magic. Here are five tips for capturing the magic of bokeh with natural light.

Choose the right lens

To create bokeh, you need a lens with a wide maximum aperture (low f-number). A lens with a focal length of 70mm or more is generally recommended for capturing bokeh. A wide aperture will provide a shallow depth of field, which is key for creating bokeh. The wider the aperture, the shallower the depth of field, and the more blur you’ll get in the background.

©Lauri Novak

Find the right light source

The quality of light can make a big difference in the quality of your bokeh. Look for soft, diffused light to create a gentle glow in the background. You want a light source that is not too bright or dim. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows and detract from the beauty of the bokeh.

One great source of natural light for bokeh is wet foliage after it rains, especially in the early morning. The water droplets on the leaves can create a beautiful, sparkling background that adds a magical quality to your photos.

Other natural light sources for bokeh can include reflections in water or shiny surfaces, such as glass or metal. Experiment with different light sources to find the one that works best for your subject and composition.

Use a wide aperture

To create a shallow depth of field and blur the background, use a wide aperture setting on your camera. Start with an aperture of f/2.8 or wider, and adjust as needed based on the amount of bokeh you want to create. Remember that smaller apertures (higher f-numbers) will result in a deeper depth of field and less blur.

Position your subject carefully

The position of your subject to the background can significantly impact the quality of the bokeh. Try to place your subject as far away from the background as possible to create more separation and blur. The farther your subject is from the background, the more blurred the background will be. You can also experiment with different angles to find the best position for your subject.

Experiment with composition

Bokeh can add a beautiful, dreamy quality to your photos. Feel free to get creative with your compositions. Try placing your subject off-center or using leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye toward the bokeh in the background. You can also experiment with different depths of field to create different effects.

Ultimately, capturing the magic of bokeh with natural light can be a beautiful and rewarding experience. You can capture stunning photos showcasing bokeh’s beauty by choosing the right lens, finding the right light source, using a wide aperture, positioning your subject carefully, and experimenting with composition. So grab your camera, head outside, and start capturing the magic of bokeh with natural light.