abstract

Christmas Lights in Abstraction Bokeh with the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM lens

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Christmas Lights in Abstraction Bokeh with the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM lens

Going for the abstract with Christmas Lights

Going and strolling around Christmas lights displays is not really fun or entertaining for me, unless I bring my camera and a large aperture lens, in this case my new Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master, the largest aperture lens I have ever owned. I personally think Christmas lights look better in photos out of focus, so that the frame is nearly entirely bokeh. I purposefully tried to make the photos out of focus to get the most bokeh in every shot and highlight the color and shape of the lights. Which one is your favorite?

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Abstract tunnel gate photograph

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A regular building gate made into a mystical tunnel with photography knowledge - Nikon D300 Nikkor 50mm @ f/3.2 ISO 200 1/125thSometimes I like to make photos that offer an impression or a feeling or a dream, rather than producing as realistic a representation of a subject as possible.  The above shot features a metal gate half-opened leading to an open air hallway through a building.  I thought if I focused on the gate using my 50mm lens at a large aperture, the bokeh that composition and settings would produce would make for a very abstract "light at the end of the tunnel" kind of shot.  If I had made this shot look as it did to my eyes, it would have been pretty boring.  Instead, using a few simple photography shooting skills, a more interesting shot was produced that will make any viewer stop and wonder what is in the light at the end of this tunnel?

Photography Tip - shoot abstract bokeh

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Bokeh from lights on a tree in a park - Nikon D300 with Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D @ f/2 ISO 800 1/40th handheldLast week I wrote about using bokeh for a more creative background.  This time my photography tip is to eliminate the foreground altogether and just make abstract shots using a bokeh filled background only.  

Recommended gear: 

  • 50mm f/1.8 lens or similar large aperture lens 

Abstract bokeh background shot technique: 

  • Settings to start with:  f/2 ISO 400 1/80th AF-S --> adjust ISO and shutter speed as needed
  • Set the focus on anything close to you, it can be above or below, it does not matter
  • Keep the focus locked and walk out of the way of the foreground object you focused on, you can even walk forwards or backwards!
  • Using a very steady shooting position compose your shot so the bokeh looks its best
  • Exhale! 

 

Bokeh from an ATM machine on the street - Nikon D300 with Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D @ f/2 ISO 400 1/80th handheldAny background light source can be used to produce bokeh.  Strings of light are great to use and probably easy to find.  However, if you are in an urban environment you can use the taillights of cars, or even the glow of an ATM machine like in the above shot.

Abstract bokeh made before sunset - Nikon D300 with Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D @ f/2 ISO 200 1/80th handheldYou do not have to wait until total darkness to try this shooting technique.  If lights come on close to sunset you can still make them into abstract bokeh.