{"id":360690,"date":"2021-05-12T14:40:17","date_gmt":"2021-05-12T13:40:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/?post_type=learning-centre&p=360690"},"modified":"2024-04-15T17:25:06","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T16:25:06","slug":"get-beautiful-bokeh","status":"publish","type":"learning-centre","link":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-gb\/learning-centre\/get-beautiful-bokeh\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Beautiful Bokeh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In portraits, a backdrop full of smooth bokeh helps the subject stand out, adding impact. In landscapes and architectural images, blur can isolate striking features and intricate details. In still life and floral photos, it can help to reveal sumptuous texture, and in sports and wildlife pictures it declutters a scene and places dramatic subjects center stage. Best of all, it\u2019s easy to create blur wherever you want to create impact with your X Series camera. All you need to do is use the right settings and apply a few modifications to your technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo \u00a9 Kara Mercer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Use the Right Exposure Mode<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Getting blur into your pictures means controlling the aperture of the lens and this means you need to be in the right exposure mode. You could use the Program mode to start with, but we\u2019d recommend you shoot with Aperture Priority \u2013 selected by setting A on the top-plate dial \u2013 as you\u2019ll be able to set the aperture to whatever setting you want by using the aperture ring on the lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If your X Series camera doesn\u2019t feature a top-plate dial like this, you can select Aperture Priority by choosing A on the shutter speed dial and setting the aperture on the lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use the Widest Aperture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Setting the aperture is how we control how much of the scene is sharp and how much is blurred. All other things being equal \u2013\u00a0that is, in terms of the subject\u2019s distance from the camera and the background, and the type of lens you\u2019re using \u2013\u00a0the widest aperture will give you the shallowest depth-of-field, so the most blur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The widest aperture is indicated by the lowest F number, which could be something like F1.4, F2.8, F5.6, and so on. Set the aperture to the lowest F number, but remember that this can vary depending on the lens you\u2019re using. If it\u2019s a zoom lens, it may have a variable aperture, so the maximum F number is lower when zoomed out than when it\u2019s zoomed in. A good example of this is the XF18-55mmF2.8-4 lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus as Close as You Can<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Something else that affects depth-of-field \u2013\u00a0and the amount of blur you can get in a shot \u2013 is how close you focus on the subject. For instance, frame a portrait at three feet, and then at six feet, using the same aperture and you\u2019ll have more depth-of-field at six feet, and the background will look more in focus.<\/p>\n\n\n

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