I was recently playing around with this, heres what I came up with:

I've tested it this night.. and the results are wonderfull!!
Great idea! =)

I've also tried to build my one reversing ring for macro, but it didn't went the great!! I've cut a finger with a knife...!! I guess i've learned the hard way to be carefull! eheheh!! =)

Thank You for sharing this information...!!
I've tried to build my one Mini bouncer for flash, with k-line and golden spray...! The results are warmer pictures.. if you calibrate the WB to the golden exposure, the background (if were photographing in daylight!) goes blue, wich creates an interesting color in the final result...!
you can check the results at http://www.flickr.com/camil0

Hugs!!

This was easy as pie and fun!! I am amazed at the ease of this. Now I'm inspired to do more, a lot more with this thing you call Bokeh :)

I am posting my first attempt at it!! Dont laugh :)

Thanks udi, I really like all the info I am getting from this web site, it is so helpful!!
I had 2 pictures posted on flickr.com but I needed to repost them so I deleted the above pics but here they are again, in full size!!

I'd love to know which dollar store and where? We have a number of them in NYC. Of course I've never thought to look for such a thing. It would be cool to find one of these hole punchers.
I'm also wonder if it may be possible to make such a lens hood to fit around the zoom lens of my P&S Kodak Z712 IS camera.
Does the light just bounce around the inside of the hood to produce these multiple shapes in the photos?

I have a video camera that has a f1.8 aperture, though the imager is much smaller than digital SLR.

While the custom bokeh works with my SLR lens, when I try with my camcorder, it is only a vignette. Has anyone successfully tried this on a camcorder? Or any ideas as to how I can get it work?

I'm using a Canon HV20, by the way, if that's of any help.

Thanks,
Peter

is it essential to have a 50mm f1.8 lens to achieve this effect?

Here's what I have....
Used a star as the shape and the flash from my camera to enlighten my subject....

How do you create such high quality pictures like that? I am trying to get into this alittle bit but unclear as to which direction to go! I am going to bookmark your site for future reference, keep up the good work!

they're indeed very beautiful. Looks very professional and crisp. Any other secrets you can share?

I just chanced upon this webpage, very nice, I did this for Diwali - the festival of lights!!

It's great - i finally made mine and had a go with it tonight - here is my butterflies jumping out of fireworks!

I am using Open Office's Draw application (free! & excellent) for making the Bokehs. It has a multitude of pre-made shapes - stars, etc. Here is a sample file in open office draw's native format:
http://www.catmtn.com/temp/bokeh_sample.odg
...and another with a custom star and and improved heart shape:
http://www.catmtn.com/temp/bokeh_sample-2.odg
Simply resize the shape and/or the circle, for your lens, center the shape in the circle (select the circle then the shape, then use the centering buttons), print on high quality paper and cut out. One might also give the white side a shot of flat black spray paint, after cutting.
Thankz!! to all contributors to this idea - likely the coolest thing I have come across since immersing myself in photography.

i used the logo of a snowboard-factory i often do pictures for... first try but quite nice i guess...

thanks for sharing this idea!!!

http://www.ortmaniacs.de/TMP/peter/JK0P9148webfr.jpg

I'm curious....... Does this only work with a 50 mm lense or is there any other lenses that it will work with?

a 50mm lens is the best for two reasons. a) they're the cheapest way to get a wide aperture, and therefore a blurred background with a sharp foreground and b) they're usually physically shallow, and the shaped bokeh effect is best when the cutout is close to the center of the lens, lengthwise, so taping a shape to the front of the lens will vignette a bit but not much. All light passes through the center focal point of a lens, where the aperture blades are located. The closer to that point, the better.

So I've recently had the idea of using my Cokin filter system (www.cokin.com) for a custom bokeh holder! Just cut some black card stock to the right size, find the center (this is MUCH easier on a square shape than a circle), cut or punch the bokeh shape, insert. "Lather, Rinse, Repeat. It's that easy"

I initially made one of these a while ago, but then decided to bring it out again because it's a great and easy way to impress girls. Thanks, DIYP!

Main Street Bridge in Jacksonville, FL

Santa

I rigged up one that looks a lil more presentable with added cost

These are amazing pictures and a great way to add character to your photos. I can't wait to get out there and try some pictures like this.

Hi! I have a film based camera. It is a Minolta X-7A and I recently purchased a 28mm-210mm F3.5 macro/zoom lens for it. Do you think it will be possible to achieve the same type of bokeh in my photographs? Will I be able to attach the heart cut-outs to the lens? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am very new to photography and a big fan of bokeh. Thanks!

Hi Guys

Thanks for the ideas
How about using a lens cap with a hole in it which is bigger than you need, then just stick a piece of black paper with your cutout/ stencil over the top?
This would enable you to focus as well

Dan

I have been trying all day with my 18-200mm f/3,5 and it does not work. All I get is a heart shaped vignet.
I really thing you need a 55mm lense. I WANT ONE NOW!!! ;)
I see that one of the pages say this is a great bokeh lense: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005LEN4/ref=ord_cart_sh...

I'm just afraid it's a little to cheap.

This site is great, just found it. The tips are awesome and I can't wait to try them out.