DIY Bokeh Lens Filters – How to Make Bokeh Filter of Different Shapes for DSLR

For a start, let’s understand what bokeh is!
Bokeh is an out-of-focus part of an image. All out-of-focus light sources become enlarged. For example, a small light bulb on a string of Christmas lights turns into beautiful large circles (which are seen in the photo with a toy bear).
The shape of bokeh is round, because the lens has a round shape. But the shape of bokeh can be changed. For this purpose you can make bokeh lens filters yourself. These filters can be used with any lenses (both with expensive professional and with cheaper kit lenses).
To make a photo filter for bokeh, we need: a cardboard sheet, scissors, an elastic hair binder (for fastening), any lens.
Let us make a template for a filter. First cut from the cardboard a circle corresponding to the diameter of your lens. You should leave the few centimeters long “tails” on two opposite sides to fasten the filter to the lens.

In the middle of cardboard circle draw the shape you want to see on bokeh. It can be any shape: star, heart, cross, logo, etc. Next, cut this shape out to make a hole in the cardboard. The larger the share and the hole are, the more light-toned the photo will be. But most important is not to make the shape larger than the lens (because the shape will be trimmed by the lens edge).

Fasten filter to your lens using the hair binder.

That’s all! Now you can get a bokeh of any shape.
For more detailed instruction, watch the video tutorial:

Remember that the size and quality of bokeh is influenced by many factors: lens, the distance to the subject, the aperture value. For getting a quality good-looking bokeh use large aperture lenses with a wide open aperture!
You may experiment with different shapes of bokeh! There are no taboos and limitations in it!

Focus on the glass

Focus on the candles