Shallow DOF and Bokeh Techniques?

[Dave Allen]

If you wanted to do some really shallow depth shots with and without focus racking, would you use a very fast, large aperture lens and add in ND filters as needed to keep exposure right, or would you use a longer focal length lens like an 85mm to get a blurred background and low light shot bokeh?

What are your settings, techniques and lens choices for shallow depth of field and for lights bokeh?

 

[hscully]

It depends. The longer lens will compress the background and will have a more two dimensional or abstract look. It's why an 85mm is considered a portrait lens. I think it depends entirely on the moment in the story. It's a continuum. If you need the world in the picture for aesthetics or mood then use something wider and open up.