Bokeh photography with your smartphone

Bokeh fotografie met je smartphone
What is bokeh and why do you want it?
You may have heard the term bokeh before, you may not, but you have definitely seen it. Bokeh is simple: your subject is sharp, while the background has a soft, magical haze. It makes your photos calmer, more stylish and gives them that wow factor . Ideal for portraits, close-ups or atmospheric night photos. Good news: you don't need an expensive camera. With a little creativity and your smartphone you can create bokeh photos that are perfect for Instagram, your portfolio or just to impress your friends.
In this article we tell you how to create it with a smartphone and give you tips for taking the most beautiful bokeh shots.

1. Use portrait mode

Most modern smartphones, such as the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel, have a portrait mode. In this mode, software is used to blur the background while the subject remains sharp. This is the easiest way to create bokeh effects.

This is how it works:

  • Choose portrait mode in the camera app
  • Make sure your subject is well lit
  • Hold your camera about 1-2 meters away from your subject.

Please note: Some older smartphones have less advanced portrait features, which may result in unnatural-looking blur.

2. Experiment with distance and light

If your smartphone doesn't have portrait mode, you can still create bokeh effects by making clever use of distance and light.

Distance: Place your subject closer to the lens and make sure
the background is far away. The greater the distance between the subject and the background, the stronger the bokeh effect.

Light sources: Use string lights, candles or Christmas lights in the background. These turn into beautiful balls of light against a blurred background.

3. Choose a simple background

Want your bokeh photos to look like they’re straight off Pinterest? Keep it simple! A clean, minimalist background will make your subject pop. Avoid busy patterns, cluttered rooms, or chaotic colors, as they’ll only distract. Instead, think of a clean wall, an open field, or a backdrop with subtle string lights for that warm vibe.

Looking for an extra magical touch? Play with soft light sources such as fairy lights or mood lighting. When you blur the background, they turn into those iconic dreamy circles of light. This works especially well in the evening or at dusk, because then the light really pops from your photo. Small trick: put your subject in a spotlight and let the magic happen!

4. Use reflections

Reflections are your best friend when it comes to taking your bokeh to the next level. Think of wet grass after a rain shower, puddles, a glass of wine or even a shiny metal surface. They capture and reflect light in such a unique way that your photo instantly gets more sparkle. The result is a background that feels even more vibrant and atmospheric.

Want some extra drama? Get low to the ground and really let the reflections take center stage. For example, photograph a flower above a puddle of water, or a drink on a shiny table for an almost surreal vibe. And here’s the fun part: experiment with angles! A slight turn of your camera can make all the difference between subtle sparkles and an explosion of light spots.

5. Keep your smartphone still

Moving hands are a no go if you want that dreamy bokeh effect
capture. Even a little wobble can ruin your shot. So make sure you have stability. Start with a firm grip on your phone, but if you really want to go pro? Invest in a (small) tripod or a smartphone grip . This way you can keep your smartphone rock steady and you don't have to worry about shaky shots. No tripod nearby? No worries. Use what you have: a table, a wall, a stack of books. And if you have to shoot handheld, use the volume button as a shutter release.

Bonus tip: set a timer of 2-3 seconds. This will keep your phone 100% silent at the moment of clicking.

Result? A razor-sharp subject and bokeh that people will be jealous of!

Useful accessories for Bokeh

6. Photography apps for more control

Apps like Halide (iOS) or ProCamera (Android/iOS) give you more control over settings like aperture, focus and shutter speed. This allows you to manually adjust depth of field and bokeh.

Bokeh photography with a smartphone is accessible, creative, and incredibly fun. All it takes is a little practice and a little attention to detail. Experiment with light, distance, and settings to create magical photos that you’ll be proud to share. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your smartphone and start exploring the art of bokeh today!

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