Bokeh Mask Tutorial

Though there are many tutorials out there for these masks, I decided to make a little tutorial for you because I was asked a couple of times how I got the heart bokeh in the latest French ~Word a Day~ posts.
I hope this helps.
If you have any questions just ask. Trial and error with these proved to be the best way to learn for me...The masks decrease the light levels let into your lens so one would adjust accordingly. I had no success with my film bokeh shots so I still have to figure that out! The size of the shape you cut is important too, try to use the same ratio as you see in the tutorial. I'm not sure how a different colour of foam would affect your results. I don't think it would as long as it is still opaque.
...and Go!

Very light pressure will mark the surface enough...




Cut inside of the line.
It is quite annoying trying to get the circle out of the lens front (later) so I would advise leaving a little "tag" that would allow you to grasp it and pull it out.



Check the fit...This is where the little tag would make things easier...


Find the centre and then draw half of the heart so that the centre point is in the middle of it...
For asymmetrical designs I used an exacto knife and it was okay. The edges were not as crisp as I would have liked and this is the instance where in may be better to use the over the camera paper hood type masks.










I hope this was clear!
Good Luck!
xoxox
♥