What is Bokeh?
Bokeh is a term in Photography that describes a specific kind of out-of-focus quality. It's basically what makes those soft, smooth backgrounds that make your subject stand out and capture focus. Basically, bokeh is about the aesthetic quality of the specific blur in out of focus areas of the image.
How Bokeh Works
When a camera is focused on a particular subject any elements that are not in the focal plane become blurred. This blur effect is known as bokeh, a term borrowed from the Japanese word "boke" (ボケ) which means "blur" or "haze."
Bokeh is not just a random blur but is a specific aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph. The way the out-of-focus points of light look is influenced by the lens's design, especially the shape and config of its aperture blades. Here’s a closer look at how this works:
- Aperture Shape: The aperture of a lens is made up of several blades that open and close to control the amount of light entering the camera. The shape of these blades affects the shape of the bokeh. E.g. lenses with more blades or those that use rounded blades tend to produce a bokeh effect with more circular, smoother highlights. In contrast, lenses with fewer or straight blades may create more polygonal shapes in the blur.
- Lens Design: The overall optical design of a lens (including its elements and their arrangement) influences the final look of the bokeh. High-quality (and often expensive) lenses often have complex designs and coatings that enhance the aesthetic quality of bokeh, making it appear more pleasant and natural. Conversely, cheaper lenses may produce bokeh that appears more harsh or distracting due to imperfections in lens design.
- Out-of-Focus Areas: Bokeh is most noticeable in parts of the image that are significantly out of focus. The way these blurred areas look can greatly affect the mood and composition of a photograph. Take for instance a portrait with a smoothly blurred background can make the subject stand out more prominently and add a sense of depth to the image.
In other words, bokeh is an artistic tool that photographers use to control the visual aesthetics of their images. The characteristics of bokeh like shape and softness help in defining the mood of a photo and can be a significant factor in the overall composition. Understanding and mastering bokeh can lead to more creative and impactful photography.
Bokeh: A Simple Guide
1. Use a Large Aperture: The larger the aperture (smaller f-number like f/1.8 - or smaller), the more pronounced and obvious the bokeh effect. Lower f-stop (apature) means more Bokeh.
2. Get Close to Your Subject: The closer you are to your subject and the farther away your background is the more noticeable the bokeh will be. Get really close, but careful not to scratch your lens on the subject! A real risk. Consider using a filter to help protect from scratches.
3. Play with Lights: Bokeh often looks best with lights in the background. Lights will turn into beautiful, soft circles. Perfect for making any photo look like it belongs in a high-end magazine. They can be lights directly or even colored surfaces that reflect light. You can mix light together for all kinds of results. Experiment!
More Tips
1. Experiment with Different Lenses: Not all lenses are created equal when it comes to bokeh. A lens with a high-quality, rounded aperture will give you those gorgeous, creamy bokeh effects. I once had an old lens that I dropped into the river and afterwards gave a very interesting Bokeh smear. While it was interesting, still was too bad about the lens.
2. Adjust the Distance: Vary the distance between your subject and the background. This can dramatically change the shape and intensity of the bokeh. You are the director! Create a scene!
3. Shape the Bokeh: Some photographers use special filters or lens attachments to shape the bokeh into stars or hearts. It can give your photos a little extra whimsy.
It's a basic concept seen everywhere in photography. Using Bokeh well is a small step on the way to becoming a great Photographer!.