Austen Hunter, an accomplished portrait photographer and educator, shares his insights into one of photography’s most captivating techniques—bokeh. This effect, characterized by soft, dreamy backgrounds, can make your photos stand out, whether you're shooting portraits, nature, or street scenes. If you’re an amateur or semi-professional photographer looking to add a creative flair to your images, understanding bokeh is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down what bokeh is, how to achieve it, and tips to refine your use of this popular technique.
Key Takeaways:
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What is Bokeh in Photography?
Bokeh refers to the visual quality of the blur in the out-of-focus areas of a photograph. It’s commonly seen in images with a shallow depth of field, where the subject is sharply in focus, and the background melts into a soft, dreamy blur. Bokeh isn’t just any blur—it’s an artistic element that can add emotion and depth to your photos. Photographers often use bokeh to isolate their subject, creating a visually striking composition where the background complements rather than distracts.
“Bokeh is more than just a background blur—it’s an artistic tool that allows you to bring focus to your subject while adding depth and emotion to your photography.” —Austen Hunter
How to Create Bokeh: Key Factors
Achieving great bokeh involves mastering a few essential elements. These factors influence how smooth and visually pleasing the out-of-focus areas in your image will appear:
Lens Choice
Prime lenses with wide apertures (like 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.4) are ideal for creating stunning bokeh. These lenses allow more light in and create a shallow depth of field, making the background blur more prominent.
Aperture Settings
To produce the best bokeh, shoot with a wide aperture (a small f-number like f/1.8 or f/2.8). This setting narrows your depth of field, blurring the background while keeping your subject in sharp focus.
Distance and Background
The distance between your subject and the background plays an important role. The farther the background is from your subject, the softer and more diffused the bokeh effect will be. Additionally, having light sources in the background—like streetlights or natural sunlight filtering through leaves—enhances the bokeh by creating soft, circular highlights.
“The quality of bokeh is influenced by many factors, but choosing the right lens and aperture are key to achieving that perfect, dreamy blur we all love.” —Austen Hunter
Types of Bokeh: Good vs. Bad
Not all bokeh is equal—some are visually pleasing, while others can be distracting. Understanding the difference between "good" and "bad" bokeh can help you fine-tune your photography.
Good Bokeh: Appears smooth and soft, with circular or rounded highlights that add to the image’s aesthetics. Good bokeh enhances the subject by creating a dreamy, out-of-focus background that doesn't compete for attention.
Bad Bokeh: Harsh, "nervous," or distracting. Bad bokeh tends to create shapes that are uneven, with sharp edges that pull focus away from the subject. This kind of bokeh can make the background appear cluttered and messy rather than complementary.
Lenses That Produce Great Bokeh
The right lens plays a crucial role in creating beautiful bokeh. Lenses with wide apertures and longer focal lengths are known for producing the most pleasing, creamy background blur. Below are some top lens choices for achieving excellent bokeh:
Lens | Aperture | Best For | Bokeh Characteristics |
50mm f/1.8 | f/1.8 | Portraits, street photography, general | Budget-friendly, sharp subject with smooth background blur |
85mm f/1.4 | f/1.4 | Portraits, close-ups | Shallow depth of field, dreamy and soft background bokeh |
135mm f/2.0 | f/2.0 | Weddings, portraits, outdoor shoots | Telephoto lens with compressed background and creamy bokeh |
70-200mm f/2.8 | f/2.8 | Portraits, sports, event photography | Versatile zoom with buttery smooth bokeh across focal range |
Each of these lenses is renowned for producing excellent bokeh, giving you the creative control to add a professional touch to your photography. Whether you’re working with prime or zoom lenses, wide apertures and longer focal lengths are key to achieving that signature soft, out-of-focus background.
Tips for Using Bokeh Creatively
Now that you know how to create bokeh, let's explore ways to use it creatively to enhance your photography. Here are a few tips to make your images stand out:
Use Light Sources
Light sources like streetlights, fairy lights, or sunlight filtering through trees can enhance bokeh by creating beautiful, glowing circles in the background. Shooting at night or during golden hour will give you more control over these light points, resulting in magical bokeh effects.
Frame Your Subject
Position your subject against a background with bright highlights or contrasting colors to maximize the impact of bokeh. The soft background will help emphasize your subject, making it stand out against the blur.
Experiment with Foreground
You can add extra depth to your image by incorporating foreground elements, such as leaves, flowers, or other textured objects. Blurring the foreground as well as the background creates a layered effect, which can add dimension and interest to your composition.
Use Bokeh to Add Emotion
Bokeh isn’t just about technical prowess—it can evoke emotions in your images. Soft, dreamy bokeh works well for romantic or serene scenes, while more abstract or geometric bokeh shapes can add a modern, edgy feel. Experiment with different styles of bokeh to match the mood of your photos.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment with different light sources. Bokeh works beautifully when light interacts with your background, creating glowing orbs that add dimension to your composition.” —Austen Hunter
Common Mistakes When Trying to Create Bokeh
Achieving beautiful bokeh can take practice, and there are a few common mistakes photographers often make when first trying to master this effect. Here’s how to avoid them:
Using the Wrong Lens: Not all lenses are created equal when it comes to producing bokeh. Kit lenses with narrow apertures (e.g., f/4 or higher) often struggle to create the smooth, dreamy backgrounds that prime lenses can. If you're aiming for quality bokeh, opt for a lens with a wide aperture like f/1.8 or wider.
Focusing Too Close to the Background: Bokeh is most effective when there's a significant distance between the subject and the background. If your subject is too close to the background, the blur will be minimal and might not achieve the desired effect. Increasing the distance will enhance the bokeh quality.
Overdoing the Blur: While a shallow depth of field is great for creating bokeh, sometimes photographers open the aperture too wide, resulting in a loss of detail in the subject itself. Make sure your subject is still sharply in focus, and adjust your aperture to balance the amount of bokeh with the subject’s clarity.
Ignoring Light Sources: Light plays a crucial role in the quality of bokeh. Without sufficient light sources in the background, your bokeh may look dull or flat. Try positioning your subject against backgrounds with subtle light sources like streetlights, sunlight through trees, or string lights to enhance the effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of photography is bokeh best suited for?
A: Bokeh is commonly used in portrait photography, macro, and street photography, but it can also be applied to landscapes and event photography to create a softer, more artistic background. It helps highlight the subject while creating visual interest in the background.
Q: Can I achieve good bokeh with a kit lens?
Q: Does aperture size affect the quality of bokeh?
Q: How can I make the bokeh in my photos more pronounced?
Q: What should I focus on when trying to achieve bokeh?
Final Thoughts
Mastering bokeh can add a whole new dimension to your photography, helping you create images that draw attention to your subject while providing a beautiful, soft background. Whether you're working with portraits, street scenes, or nature photography, understanding the factors that affect bokeh—from lens choice to aperture settings—will elevate your work. Experiment with different lenses, lighting, and compositions to refine your use of this popular technique.
If you're eager to learn more about depth of field and how it impacts your photography, download our Free Ebook: The Photographer's Guide to Depth of Field. This comprehensive guide will walk you through essential tips and techniques to help you take control of your images and make the most out of every shot.
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