How to Take Close-Up Photos With Blurred Background

A wide open aperture creates a blurred background and foreground.

Close-up photographs look best when the background is blurred to isolate the subject. This blurred effect is called "bokeh," and is often associated with an artsy, creative photo. It is created by a wide open aperture when you shoot. While almost every lens can create this effect to some degree, the most striking effect comes from lenses that are capable of opening up to f/2.8 or lower. These lenses are often only found on DSLR cameras.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Lens

Instructions

1. Turn on your camera and remove the lens cap.

2. Open your lens aperture up. Most modern cameras can do this electronically, while some older lenses have manual gears that need to be adjusted. Check your camera manual for the specific instruction.

3. Orient your object and place the camera close to it. Compose your shot for the photo.

4. Focus on the middle of the object or on the point to which you would like to give the most attention. Take the photo.

Tips & Warnings

• The farther you are from the background, the more pronounced the blurred effect will be.

References

• Bob Atkins: Bokeh and Background Blur
• Luminous Landscape: Bokeh in Pictures