Bokeh is a term used in photography to describe the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas of
an image. It is a Japanese word that translates to “blur” or “haze.” Bokeh is a popular technique
among photographers who want to create visually stunning images with a unique look and feel. In
this article, we will take a closer look at what bokeh is, how it is created, and why it is so
popular among photographers attending Visionary Photography Workshops.
What is Bokeh?
Bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus areas of a photograph. It is
often characterized by a pleasing, soft, and creamy look, which is created by the lens’s aperture.
The

shape of the out-of-focus areas can vary depending on the lens and aperture used. Bokeh is not just
a result of having a shallow depth of field. It is also influenced by other factors such as the
lens’s construction, the distance between the subject and the background, and the distance between
the lens and the subject.
How is Bokeh created?

Bokeh is created by the lens’s aperture, which controls the amount of light that enters the camera.
When the aperture is wide open, the lens allows more light to enter, creating a shallow depth of
field. This shallow depth of field causes the foreground and background to be out of focus,
creating the bokeh effect. The quality of bokeh is also affected by the shape of the aperture
blades. The more rounded the blades, the smoother and creamier the bokeh will appear.
Why is Bokeh so popular among photographers?

Bokeh is a popular technique among photographers because it adds an artistic and creative element
to their images. The soft, out-of-focus areas create a dreamy, romantic, and magical feel, which is
perfect for portraits, landscapes, and still life photography. Bokeh can also be used to draw
attention to a particular part of the image, such as the subject’s face or an object in the
foreground.
Bokeh also allows photographers to separate the subject from the background, creating a sense of
depth and three-dimensionality in their images. This separation between the subject and background
can create a more dynamic and visually interesting composition.
How can you achieve great Bokeh?

Achieving great bokeh is not just about having a lens with a wide aperture. The quality of bokeh
can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the distance between the subject and the
background, the distance between the lens and the subject, and the lens’s construction.
To achieve great bokeh, start by selecting a lens with a wide aperture. Lenses with a maximum
aperture of f/1.4 or f/1.8 are ideal for creating shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. Next,
choose a subject with a clean and uncluttered background. This will allow the background to be out
of focus, creating the bokeh effect. Make sure the subject is far enough away from the background
to create separation and depth in the image.
Finally, experiment with different aperture settings and focal lengths to achieve different bokeh
effects. Keep in mind that the shape of the aperture blades can also affect the quality of bokeh,
so look for lenses with rounded aperture blades for the best results.
Conclusion
Bokeh is a beautiful and artistic technique that can add a unique and creative element to your
photography. By understanding how bokeh is created and experimenting with different lenses,
apertures, and focal lengths, you can achieve stunning bokeh effects that will make your images
stand out. Whether you are attending Visionary Photography Workshops or just starting out in
photography, mastering the art of bokeh can take your photography to the next level.