Hello everyone!

Photography is one of my favourite hobbies, especially at Christmas time, I just love all the festive lights. Today’s craft is going to involve your camera! After seeing some amazing photography tips on TikTok and YouTube I wanted to give it a try myself, so for today’s craft I’m going to show you how I made a filter for my camera lens that creates star shaped bokeh with just a sheet of card and the fairy lights on my Christmas tree.

You will need:

• Black card
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Camera
• Fairy lights

Firstly, trace around your camera lens on a black sheet of card. I tried first with white printer paper, but it was too flimsy and kept falling off the camera or getting creased and misshapen, so I recommend using card if you have any, any colour will work however black is recommended as it won’t let light through, but other colours can create cool colourful effects on your photos.

In the centre of the circle draw a star shape, I used some star shaped stickers as a guide.

Cut out the star using a craft knife then cut out the circle using either a craft knife or scissors, whichever you find easiest.

Place the filter in the rim of your camera lens so that it is touching the glass of the lens. Carefully trim the card until it fits perfectly and doesn’t move.

I’m using my Canon EOS M50 camera, and first tested it with the 15-45mm lens that comes with the camera, the results were good, but I found the stars were better with my 55-200mm lens. I played around with the settings on my camera until I was happy, I took my final photos in manual (M) mode, with manual focus (MF), the lowest F stop number and ISO of around 1200.

I hope you enjoyed today’s craft! This craft took a lot of trial and error, and patience, but I’m so happy with the results and excited to use it for some more Christmas photoshoots.

Follow my crafty adventures and for more updates on my posts check out my Instagram @lilacdaisiesdesigns and @princessemily_m

Stay safe and best wishes,

Emily M x