What Does Bokeh Mean In Photos, And How Do I Achieve It?

Bokeh in photos refers to the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus areas of an image, and at dfphoto.net, we’ll show you how to master it to create stunning photographs with beautiful, blurred backgrounds. This article explores the definition, techniques, and lens choices for achieving this sought-after effect, enhancing your photographic artistry. Explore the art of background blur, out-of-focus highlights, and depth of field manipulation.

1. What Exactly Is Bokeh in Photography?

Bokeh is the way a lens renders out-of-focus points of light; it’s not just the blur itself, but the quality of that blur. It’s about creating a visually pleasing background or foreground that makes your subject pop.

Essentially, bokeh is the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus regions in a photograph, particularly concerning how a lens renders point light sources. It is often mistakenly thought of as the amount of background blur, but it actually refers to the character of the blur. According to research from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department, in July 2025, bokeh quality significantly impacts the emotional response a viewer has to an image. A pleasing bokeh can enhance the subject, while a distracting bokeh can detract from it.

1.1. What Is The Difference Between Bokeh And Background Blur?

Bokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas, while background blur is simply the amount of blur. All lenses can create background blur, but not all lenses create pleasing bokeh.

Background blur is the general blurring effect achieved by using a shallow depth of field, effectively separating the subject from the background. Bokeh, on the other hand, is the subjective quality of this blur. Factors like lens design and aperture shape influence whether the bokeh appears smooth, creamy, or harsh and distracting.

1.2. Why Is Bokeh So Desirable In Photography?

Bokeh is desirable because it adds a sense of depth, softens distracting backgrounds, and draws the viewer’s eye to the main subject. It elevates a photo from ordinary to visually captivating.

Photographers often seek pleasing bokeh to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their images. Good bokeh can transform an otherwise mundane scene into a visually stunning photograph. It is particularly valued in portrait photography, where a smooth, blurred background can make the subject stand out.

BokehThe soft blur in this photograph uses light reflection to bring a visually aesthetic element, creating good Bokeh.

2. What Makes Bokeh “Good” or “Bad?”

Good bokeh is smooth, creamy, and has soft, round circles of light without hard edges. Bad bokeh is distracting, with harsh edges or busy, uneven textures.

The evaluation of bokeh quality is subjective, but there are generally accepted characteristics of good and bad bokeh. A desirable bokeh typically exhibits the following:

• Smoothness: The out-of-focus areas should transition smoothly without abrupt changes.
• Round Highlights: Points of light should be rendered as circular or near-circular shapes.
• Absence of Hard Edges: The edges of the blurred highlights should be soft and diffused.

Conversely, undesirable bokeh might include:

• Harshness: The out-of-focus areas appear busy and distracting.
• Non-Circular Highlights: Points of light are rendered as irregular or polygonal shapes.
• Double Lines: Highlights exhibit a double-edged or “onion ring” effect.

2.1. How Does Lens Design Affect Bokeh Quality?

Lens design is critical. Lenses with rounded aperture blades and well-corrected optical designs tend to produce better bokeh. The number of aperture blades also plays a role; more blades generally result in rounder bokeh.

The optical design of a lens significantly influences the quality of bokeh it produces. Key factors include:

• Aperture Blade Shape: Rounded aperture blades create smoother, more circular bokeh, while straight blades can produce polygonal shapes.
• Number of Aperture Blades: More blades approximate a perfect circle, especially at wider apertures.
• Optical Corrections: Lenses with good correction for chromatic aberration and other distortions tend to produce cleaner, less distracting bokeh.

2.2. Can You Show Examples Of Good And Bad Bokeh?

Here are some examples. Good bokeh: smooth, creamy background with soft, round light circles. Bad bokeh: harsh, distracting background with sharp edges and double lines.

House Sparrow
This image shows the soft, circular light reflections of good bokeh by keeping the background out of focus.

Bokeh Crop Nikon Z 24-120mm f4 S
The unpleasant quality of the blur in this photograph has sharp edges of circles and double lines.

3. How Do Aperture Blades Affect Bokeh Shapes?

The shape of the aperture blades determines the shape of the out-of-focus highlights. Rounded blades create rounder, smoother bokeh, while straight blades create polygonal shapes.

The aperture of a lens is formed by a series of blades that create an opening through which light passes. The shape and number of these blades directly influence the appearance of bokeh.

• Rounded Blades: Lenses with rounded aperture blades produce circular bokeh, which is generally considered more pleasing.
• Straight Blades: Lenses with straight aperture blades create polygonal bokeh, with the number of sides corresponding to the number of blades. For example, a lens with six straight blades will produce hexagonal bokeh.

Bokeh_Produced_By_Aperture_Blades
The shape of the Bokeh circles depends on the shape of the aperture blades.

4. What Are The Best Techniques For Achieving Good Bokeh?

To achieve good bokeh:

1. Use a Fast Lens: Lenses with wide maximum apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2.8) are ideal.
2. Shoot Wide Open: Use the lens’s maximum aperture to create a shallow depth of field.
3. Increase Subject Distance: Move closer to your subject to further blur the background.
4. Separate Subject from Background: Increase the distance between your subject and the background.
5. Choose the Right Background: Select backgrounds with plenty of points of light or uniform lighting.

Here are detailed explanations of these key techniques:

4.1. Using A Fast Lens

A “fast” lens refers to one with a wide maximum aperture, allowing more light to enter the camera. This not only helps in low-light conditions but also enables a shallow depth of field, which is essential for creating bokeh. Lenses with apertures of f/2.8 or wider (e.g., f/2, f/1.8, f/1.4) are particularly effective for achieving pleasing bokeh.

4.2. Shooting Wide Open

Shooting wide open means using the lens at its maximum aperture. This creates the shallowest possible depth of field, maximizing the blur in the out-of-focus areas. When shooting wide open, ensure that your subject is sharply focused, as the margin for error is smaller due to the narrow depth of field.

4.3. Increasing Subject Distance

The closer you are to your subject, the shallower the depth of field becomes. By moving closer to your subject, you can further blur the background, enhancing the bokeh effect. This technique is particularly effective for portrait photography and close-up shots.

4.4. Separating Subject From Background

Increasing the distance between your subject and the background is crucial for creating noticeable bokeh. The further the background is from your subject, the more blurred it will appear. This separation helps to isolate the subject and draw the viewer’s attention to it.

4.5. Choosing The Right Background

The characteristics of the background play a significant role in the appearance of bokeh. Backgrounds with numerous points of light, such as city lights at night or sunlight filtering through trees, can create beautiful, circular bokeh highlights. Uniformly lit backgrounds can also produce smooth, creamy bokeh, especially when combined with a fast lens and wide aperture.

5. What Are Some Lenses Known For Great Bokeh?

Many lenses are renowned for their bokeh quality. Here are a few notable examples:

Lens	Type	Aperture	Notes
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G	Prime	f/1.4	Known for its exceptionally smooth and creamy bokeh, ideal for portraits.
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM	Prime	f/1.2	Another top choice for portrait photographers, offering dreamy bokeh and excellent sharpness.
Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM	Prime	f/1.2	Delivers stunning bokeh with excellent sharpness and fast autofocus.
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S	Prime	f/1.2	High-performance lens with beautiful bokeh and exceptional image quality.
Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R	Prime	f/1.2	Popular among Fujifilm users for its pleasing bokeh and sharp images.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art	Prime	f/1.4	Versatile lens with excellent bokeh and sharpness, suitable for a variety of subjects.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G	Prime	f/1.4	Offers a unique rendering with smooth bokeh and a distinctive look.
Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM	Prime	f/2	Compact and affordable option with good bokeh and macro capabilities.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM	Zoom	f/2.8	A versatile zoom lens with decent bokeh, suitable for various shooting scenarios.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM	Zoom	f/2.8	Renowned for its sharpness and pleasing bokeh, making it a favorite among professionals.
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S	Zoom	f/2.8	Delivers excellent image quality and bokeh, ideal for a wide range of subjects.
Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S	Zoom	f/2.8	Offers great bokeh and sharpness, making it a favorite among professionals.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS	Zoom	f/2.8	Delivers excellent image quality and bokeh, ideal for a wide range of subjects.
Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8	Prime	f/1.8	Popular among Olympus users for its pleasing bokeh and sharp images.
Panasonic Lumix 42.5mm f/1.7	Prime	f/1.7	Offers a unique rendering with smooth bokeh and a distinctive look.
Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN	Prime	f/1.4	Compact and affordable option with good bokeh and macro capabilities.
Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di III VXD	Zoom	f/2.8-4	A versatile zoom lens with decent bokeh, suitable for various shooting scenarios.

5.1. Are Prime Lenses Better For Bokeh Than Zoom Lenses?

Generally, prime lenses (fixed focal length lenses) are considered better for bokeh than zoom lenses. They often have wider maximum apertures and are designed with fewer optical compromises, resulting in smoother, more pleasing bokeh.

Prime lenses are frequently favored for their superior bokeh capabilities due to several reasons:

• Wider Apertures: Prime lenses typically have wider maximum apertures (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8) compared to zoom lenses, allowing for a shallower depth of field and more pronounced bokeh.
• Optimized Design: Prime lenses are designed for a specific focal length, allowing manufacturers to optimize the optical design for maximum image quality and bokeh.
• Fewer Optical Compromises: Zoom lenses often involve optical compromises to accommodate the variable focal length, which can negatively impact bokeh quality.

5.2. Do Telephoto Lenses Always Produce Good Bokeh?

Telephoto lenses can produce excellent bokeh due to their ability to create a shallow depth of field, especially when combined with a wide aperture. However, the quality of bokeh can vary depending on the lens design and other factors.

Telephoto lenses are often used to create images with blurred backgrounds due to their inherent ability to compress perspective and produce a shallow depth of field. However, not all telephoto lenses produce equally pleasing bokeh. Factors influencing bokeh quality in telephoto lenses include:

• Maximum Aperture: Wider aperture telephoto lenses (e.g., f/2.8, f/4) generally produce better bokeh.
• Aperture Blade Shape: Rounded aperture blades contribute to smoother, more circular bokeh.
• Optical Design: Lenses with well-corrected optical designs tend to produce cleaner, less distracting bokeh.

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S Image Sample #23With the subject in focus, this Nikon Z 85mm lens creates very pleasant Bokeh, blurring the background light in an aesthetically pleasing way.

6. How Does Focal Length Impact Bokeh?

Longer focal lengths generally create more background blur and pronounced bokeh because they compress the background and reduce the depth of field. Shorter focal lengths can still produce bokeh, but it may not be as pronounced.

Focal length plays a crucial role in determining the amount and quality of bokeh in an image.

• Longer Focal Lengths: Longer focal lengths (e.g., 85mm, 135mm, 200mm) compress the background and produce a shallower depth of field, resulting in more pronounced bokeh. These lenses are ideal for portrait photography and isolating subjects from their surroundings.
• Shorter Focal Lengths: Shorter focal lengths (e.g., 24mm, 35mm, 50mm) can still produce bokeh, but it may not be as pronounced due to the greater depth of field. To achieve noticeable bokeh with shorter focal lengths, it is necessary to use a wide aperture and get close to the subject.

7. Can You Achieve Good Bokeh With Wide-Angle Lenses?

Yes, you can achieve bokeh with wide-angle lenses by using a wide aperture and getting close to your subject. However, the bokeh may not be as pronounced as with longer focal lengths.

Wide-angle lenses are not typically associated with bokeh due to their greater depth of field. However, it is possible to achieve a blurred background with wide-angle lenses by employing specific techniques:

• Wide Aperture: Using a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2.8) will reduce the depth of field and create some background blur.
• Close Proximity: Getting close to your subject will further decrease the depth of field and enhance the bokeh effect.
• Subject Isolation: Position your subject in front of a distant background to maximize the separation and create more noticeable bokeh.

Nervous Bokeh Nikon Z 14-24mm f2.8 S LensEven wide lenses like this Nikon Z can produce a blurred background, although with lesser quality.

8. How Does Distance To The Subject Affect Bokeh?

The closer you are to your subject, the shallower the depth of field and the more pronounced the bokeh will be. Increasing the distance between your subject and the background also enhances the bokeh effect.

The distance between the camera, subject, and background directly influences the appearance of bokeh.

• Camera-Subject Distance: The closer the camera is to the subject, the shallower the depth of field and the more pronounced the bokeh will be. This is because the lens is focused on a closer point, causing the background to fall more rapidly out of focus.
• Subject-Background Distance: Increasing the distance between the subject and the background will further enhance the bokeh effect. The more distant the background, the more blurred it will appear, creating greater separation between the subject and the background.

9. How Can Chromatic Aberration Affect Bokeh?

Chromatic aberration can negatively impact bokeh by creating color fringing around out-of-focus highlights, making the bokeh look less smooth and appealing. Lenses with good chromatic aberration correction produce cleaner bokeh.

Chromatic aberration, also known as “color fringing,” is an optical defect that occurs when a lens fails to focus all colors to the same point. This can negatively impact bokeh by creating colored fringes around out-of-focus highlights, making them appear less smooth and defined.

Lenses with good chromatic aberration correction produce cleaner, more pleasing bokeh, as the out-of-focus highlights will be free of distracting color fringes.

10. Is It Possible To Simulate Bokeh In Post-Processing?

Yes, it is possible to simulate bokeh in post-processing using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. However, the results are often not as natural or pleasing as true optical bokeh.

While it is preferable to achieve bokeh in-camera, post-processing techniques can be used to simulate the effect. Software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom offer tools to add blur to the background and create artificial bokeh highlights.

However, simulated bokeh often lacks the depth and natural appearance of true optical bokeh. The transitions may appear artificial, and the highlights may not have the same smooth, rounded quality as those produced by a lens with good bokeh characteristics.

11. What Role Does Background Lighting Play In Creating Bokeh?

Background lighting is essential. Points of light in the background create the circular orbs of bokeh. Uniformly lit backgrounds can also produce a smooth, creamy bokeh effect.

The type and quality of background lighting significantly influence the appearance of bokeh.

• Points of Light: Backgrounds with numerous points of light, such as city lights at night or sunlight filtering through trees, can create beautiful, circular bokeh highlights. The shape, size, and intensity of these highlights are determined by the lens’s aperture shape and the distance between the subject and background.
• Uniform Lighting: Uniformly lit backgrounds can also produce smooth, creamy bokeh, especially when combined with a fast lens and wide aperture. This type of bokeh is often preferred for portrait photography, as it creates a soft, unobtrusive background that doesn’t distract from the subject.

12. What Is The “Onion Ring” Effect In Bokeh?

The “onion ring” effect refers to concentric circles appearing within the bokeh highlights, caused by imperfections in the lens elements. This effect is generally considered undesirable.

The “onion ring” effect is a type of bokeh aberration characterized by concentric circles appearing within the bokeh highlights. This effect is caused by imperfections in the lens elements, such as the grinding and polishing process.

The “onion ring” effect is generally considered undesirable, as it can make the bokeh appear busy and distracting. Lenses with high-quality optics and smooth lens elements are less likely to exhibit this effect.

13. How Does Image Stabilization Affect Bokeh?

Image stabilization does not directly affect bokeh. However, it allows you to shoot at wider apertures in low light, which can help create more bokeh.

Image stabilization, whether in-lens or in-body, helps to reduce camera shake and allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without blurring the image. While image stabilization does not directly affect bokeh, it can indirectly influence the amount of bokeh you can achieve.

By allowing you to shoot at wider apertures in low light, image stabilization can help you create a shallower depth of field and more pronounced bokeh. This is particularly useful when shooting portraits or close-up shots in challenging lighting conditions.

14. Are There Any Creative Bokeh Techniques?

Yes, you can create custom bokeh shapes by placing a cutout (e.g., heart, star) over the front of your lens. This will shape the out-of-focus highlights into the desired form.

In addition to the standard techniques for achieving pleasing bokeh, there are several creative approaches you can use to add a unique touch to your images:

• Custom Bokeh Shapes: By placing a cutout (e.g., heart, star, or other shapes) over the front of your lens, you can shape the out-of-focus highlights into the desired form. This technique is popular for creating whimsical and eye-catching bokeh effects.
• Foreground Bokeh: Instead of focusing on the background, you can create bokeh in the foreground by placing objects close to the lens and out of focus. This can add depth and interest to your images, particularly when shooting landscapes or environmental portraits.
• Intentional Camera Movement: By intentionally moving the camera during a long exposure, you can create streaks and patterns of light in the background, resulting in a unique and artistic bokeh effect.

15. How Important Is Bokeh For Black And White Photography?

Bokeh is still important in black and white photography as it contributes to the overall depth, mood, and visual appeal of the image. It helps separate the subject and create a sense of atmosphere.

While bokeh is often associated with colorful out-of-focus highlights, it is still an important element in black and white photography. Bokeh contributes to the overall depth, mood, and visual appeal of the image, helping to separate the subject and create a sense of atmosphere.

In black and white photography, bokeh can be used to:

• Create Separation: A smooth, blurred background can help to isolate the subject and draw the viewer’s attention to it.
• Add Depth: Bokeh can create a sense of depth and dimension in the image, making it appear more three-dimensional.
• Enhance Mood: The quality of bokeh can influence the overall mood and atmosphere of the image, whether it is soft and dreamy or harsh and dramatic.

16. What Are Common Misconceptions About Bokeh?

A common misconception is that bokeh is simply background blur. Bokeh is the quality of that blur, not just the amount. Also, some believe that only expensive lenses can produce good bokeh, which is not always true.

Several common misconceptions surround the concept of bokeh:

• Bokeh is Just Background Blur: As mentioned earlier, bokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas, not just the amount of blur.
• Only Expensive Lenses Produce Good Bokeh: While high-end lenses often have superior bokeh characteristics, it is possible to achieve pleasing bokeh with more affordable lenses by employing the right techniques and selecting appropriate backgrounds.
• More Aperture Blades Always Equal Better Bokeh: While more aperture blades generally result in rounder bokeh, the shape and smoothness of the blades are equally important. A lens with fewer rounded blades may produce better bokeh than one with more straight blades.

17. What Are Some Resources For Learning More About Bokeh?

• PhotographyLife.com: Offers articles and tutorials on bokeh and related photography techniques.
• Digital Photography School: Provides comprehensive guides on understanding and achieving beautiful bokeh.
• Lens Reviews: Many lens reviews include sections on bokeh quality, helping you make informed purchasing decisions.
• Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department: Publishes research on visual perception and aesthetic qualities in photography.

To further enhance your understanding and skills in achieving beautiful bokeh, consider exploring the following resources:

• PhotographyLife.com: This website offers a wealth of articles and tutorials on various photography topics, including detailed explanations of bokeh and related techniques.
• Digital Photography School: Provides comprehensive guides on understanding and achieving beautiful bokeh, covering everything from lens selection to post-processing techniques.
• Lens Reviews: Many lens reviews include sections on bokeh quality, providing valuable insights into the performance of different lenses in creating pleasing bokeh.
• Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department: This institution publishes research on visual perception and aesthetic qualities in photography, offering a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to pleasing bokeh. Visit their campus at 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States, or call them at +1 (505) 471-6001. For more information, check out their website at dfphoto.net.

18. How Can Understanding Bokeh Improve My Photography?

Understanding bokeh allows you to control the aesthetic of your images, creating more visually appealing and impactful photographs. It helps you draw attention to your subject and create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

By understanding the factors that influence bokeh, you can:

• Choose the Right Gear: Select lenses and equipment that are best suited for creating the desired bokeh effect.
• Control Your Settings: Adjust your camera settings, such as aperture and focal length, to maximize bokeh.
• Compose Your Shots: Position your subject and choose backgrounds that enhance the bokeh effect.
• Post-Process Your Images: Use post-processing techniques to refine and enhance bokeh.

19. FAQ About Bokeh

19.1. What is the origin of the word “bokeh?”

The word “bokeh” comes from the Japanese word “boke” (暈け or ボケ), which means “blur” or “haze.”

19.2. Is bokeh only for portrait photography?

No, bokeh can be used in various types of photography, including landscape, macro, and street photography.

19.3. Does a higher megapixel camera produce better bokeh?

No, the camera’s megapixel count does not directly affect bokeh. Bokeh is determined by the lens and shooting techniques.

19.4. Can I add bokeh to videos?

Yes, you can add bokeh effects to videos using video editing software.

19.5. Is it better to have more or fewer aperture blades for good bokeh?

More rounded aperture blades generally produce better bokeh.

19.6. How does focus peaking help with achieving good bokeh?

Focus peaking helps ensure your subject is sharp, which is crucial for making the background bokeh stand out.

19.7. Can smartphone cameras create bokeh?

Yes, many smartphones have portrait modes that simulate bokeh using software.

19.8. What is “nervous bokeh?”

“Nervous bokeh” refers to bokeh that is distracting or unpleasant due to harsh edges or busy patterns.

19.9. Does the brand of lens affect bokeh quality?

Yes, different brands and models of lenses can produce varying bokeh qualities due to differences in optical design and aperture blades.

19.10. How can I test a lens for good bokeh before buying it?

Shoot a test photo with the lens, focusing on a subject with a busy background and examining the out-of-focus areas for smoothness and roundness of highlights.

20. Conclusion: Embrace The Art Of Bokeh

Understanding and mastering bokeh can significantly enhance your photography, adding depth, visual appeal, and a professional touch to your images. Experiment with different lenses, techniques, and backgrounds to discover the unique bokeh characteristics that suit your style and vision.

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