Bokeh photography is a type of photography that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a technique that creates a soft and dreamy background by purposely blurring the out-of-focus areas in an image. This results in a visually pleasing effect that highlights the subject of the photo and adds depth to the overall composition.
The word “bokeh” is derived from the Japanese word “boke” which means blur or haze. This term was first used in the late 1990s by a photojournalist, Michal Karcz, to describe the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in his images. Since then, bokeh has become a highly sought-after effect in photography, especially in portrait, wedding, and nature photography.
So, how does one achieve bokeh in a photograph? It all begins with the lens. The key to creating bokeh is using a lens with a wide maximum aperture (low f-stop number). This allows for a shallow depth of field, which means a small portion of the image will be in sharp focus while the rest will be blurred. Prime lenses with a large aperture, such as f/1.8 or f/1.4, are perfect for achieving this effect.
Additionally, the distance between the subject and the background is crucial in bokeh photography. The farther the subject is from the background, the more pronounced the bokeh effect will be. This is because the shallower the depth of field, the more blurred the background will appear. So, if you want to create a strong bokeh effect, try shooting with a longer lens and positioning your subject at least a few feet away from the background.
Another factor that affects the quality of bokeh is the shape of the aperture blades in the lens. Most lenses have circular aperture blades, which result in a softer and more natural-looking bokeh. However, some lenses have non-circular aperture blades, which can produce a more geometric or harsher bokeh. Keep this in mind when choosing a lens for bokeh photography.
Apart from the technical aspects, there are a few tips to keep in mind to enhance the bokeh effect in your photos. Firstly, experiment with different light sources in the background, such as fairy lights, candles, or city lights. These can create beautiful and unique bokeh shapes in the background of your images. Additionally, keep the background simple and uncluttered to draw more attention to the subject. Busy or distracting backgrounds can take away from the beauty of the bokeh effect.
Post-processing can also play a role in enhancing bokeh in your photos. Using a wide aperture and the right lens can produce a lovely bokeh effect on its own. However, there are also editing techniques that can enhance and refine the bokeh in your images. For example, using a blur tool in Photoshop can help soften the background even further, giving it a creamy and dreamy look.
In conclusion, bokeh photography is a popular technique that adds a unique and magical touch to your photos. It is achieved by using a wide aperture lens, positioning the subject at a distance from the background, and using simple and uncluttered backgrounds. Remember to experiment and have fun with different lighting and editing techniques to create stunning bokeh images. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, so keep honing your skills to create beautiful and captivating bokeh photographs.