Use Lenses with Large Aperture
Bokeh is determined by the lens, not the camera. The lens and optics in it determine the quality of the bokeh produced by the photo. So use a lens with the settings on the largest aperture. For DSLR and mirrorless cameras, you can use the aperture priority mode on the camera, then set the lens f number at the smallest number. On lenses with f / 2.8 specifications, for example, use f / 2.8, don't use f / 4. In the kit lens with f / 3.5 - 5.6 aperture range specifications, use at f / 3.5.
What is the effect of the settings above? basically by enlarging the aperture (using the smallest f), we narrow the focus space to become very thin, while the rest looks blurry and out of focus.
Bring the Distance Between the Lens and the Subject Photo
The closer you are to the main subject, the more background blur. Why can? because when the main subject is very close, the focus point of the lens gets closer and the sharp space gets thinner. Do you want to try the lens in your eyes? try placing your index finger in front of your face and try to focus your gaze on that finger. Then pull the index finger closer to the eye while staying focused, what happened to the backgorund behind him? the more motion blur is not!
Photo lenses work on the same principle. The closer the subject is to the lens, the more blur the background behind it.
Keep the Main Subject With Backgorund
When the subject of the photo is too close to the background that looks busy, the resulting bokeh will look ugly and busy. Why? because the background is still included in the subject's focus space that still looks sharp. The sharp space of the photo moves from focus to blur gradually, with gradations, not just jumping. So the more the background is made of the focal point, the softer and blurred the background.
Use the Longest Zoom
With the distance from the camera to the same photo subject, using the zoom lens on the longest side will automatically reduce the sharp space of the lens, thus making the background more blurry. So when you use a 18-135mm zoom lens, use it at 135mm. When using a 70-200mm lens, use it at 200mm and so on.
Use the Fastest Lens You Have
If you are obsessed with wanting the perfect bokeh, try shooting with a bokeh factory lens such as a 50mm f / 1.2 lens, or 85mm f / 1.4 or 135mm f / 2 or 70-200mm f / 2.8 when used at 200mm. If these lenses feel too exotic and not affordable, use a cheaper alternative: 50mm f / 1.8, 85mm f / 1.8 or old school manual lenses with similar specifications.
