Hartman Creative Arts

After digging through the Flickr link from my last post on bokeh, I found this link. I had something like this in mind from the start, but after finding whatisname’s setup, I decided there was no point in trying to engineer my own solution. Not only is this relatively easy to use, it’s incredibly inexpensive.

Go to ebay and do a search for “Cokin P filter holder” and you’ll find a few hundred filter holding options. You can add the lens filter size to the search string (like this “Cokin P filter holder 52mm”) to narrow things down. Keep in mind that you need the adapter for whatever lens you plan to use. The dimension you need to reference is the filter diameter and not the focal length. If you’re shopping for a Canon 50mm f/1.8, you’ll need to add “52mm” to the search. Then all you need to do is cut some square modifiers to fit the holder.

Last night I ordered three different setups for $17 total (shipping included). The best results will probably be with my 50mm, but I also got adapters and holders for my 70-200, as well as my 17-85.

I’m going to see a band Friday night and of course I’ll have my camera in tow. Along with shooting a band in their natural habitat, I thought it’d be fun to experiment with bokeh.

DIYPHotography.net has a nice write up on how to modify a lens’ bokeh shape. It’s pretty simple and can make for a really nice effect (when used within reason). This being the holiday season, the opportunity to get some wonderful shots is all around you.

Here’s a quick test lens hood I made up for my 50MM f/1.8 to be sure I understood how everything works. I used black craft foam, but anything that blocks light will work.

I think the shape for this test is a bit big… it needs to be smaller than the actual aperture of the lens. In the example below, you can see how one tip of the star is cut off.

And in case you care, here’s the subject from the above example in focus.

I think I’m going to make a few different shapes for Friday night (a music note, maybe?). The DIYPhotography.net article uses a heart in its example, but any shape will do. I’m also thinking of making up a Christmas tree hood for taking pictures of the niece and nephew in front of my Mom’s tree when I’m home for Christmas.