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How can I achieve a bokeh effect in portrait photography without using a fast lens?

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How can I achieve a bokeh effect in portrait photography without using a fast lens?

Asked on Jan 24, 2026

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Achieving a bokeh effect in portrait photography without a fast lens involves using techniques to separate the subject from the background, creating a pleasing blur. You can achieve this by increasing the distance between the subject and the background and using a longer focal length.

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    1. Use a longer focal length lens (e.g., 85mm or 135mm) to compress the background.
    2. Position the subject far from the background to enhance background blur.
    3. Use a wide aperture available on your lens (e.g., f/4 or f/5.6) to reduce depth of field.
    4. Focus precisely on the subject's eyes to ensure sharpness where needed.
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Additional Comment:

Consider using a prime lens with a moderate aperture to achieve better separation.
Experiment with different backgrounds to find one that complements the bokeh effect.
Use post-processing tools like Lightroom to enhance the bokeh by selectively blurring the background further.
Ensure good lighting on the subject to maintain focus and contrast.

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How can I achieve a bokeh effect in portrait photography without using a fast lens?

Asked on Jan 24, 2026

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