Tabletop studio Let’s get festive
We’ll be relying on natural light to illuminate our subjects, so get set up near a window
01 Fast Lens
Good bokeh requires a wide aperture of at least f/2.8; a fast prime, like our Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM A, is ideal. When shooting at wide apertures, the smallest of movements could knock the focus, so set your camera on a tripod for full support.
02 Backdrop
Use a festive red or green backdrop and position the fairy lights in front of it. Check the Live View display to ensure you’ve got an even spread of lights. Keep the amount of ambient light hitting the backdrop to a minimum by closing the nearest curtain.
03 cotton wool trick
Microwave some wet cotton wool, then place the wad inside the cup to give the illusion of a steaming hot drink. Be quick as the steam doesn’t last long. Give it a squeeze to create more steam, or pop it back in the microwave and reheat.
04 smartphone
A dark, contrasting background will reveal the steam well, but if it’s too subtle you can add some backlight. Use the torch on your phone and position it next to the setup. Lean your phone at an angle to ensure the light is shining up at the rising steam.
05 Festive Food
A hot cuppa and some mince pies is a sign that Christmas is on its way. Include other festive accessories, such as pine cones and a sprig of holly. To add an extra bit of Christmas sparkle, give your subjects a light dusting of icing sugar.
06 tabletop setup
For the best bokeh effect, your subject needs to be a few feet away from the backdrop; the greater the distance between foreground and background, the greater the effect will be. Position the table near a window for diffused daylight.