How to achieve a good bokeh effect.

What is the bokeh effect?

The term bokeh is commonly used to describe photos where light spots appear in the out-of-focus area. This isn't entirely accurate, as the term actually refers to the quality of the out-of-focus portion of the image. It's an optical effect., through which there is a focused part and an unfocused part that can be applied to any subject, even if there are no points of light in the scene.

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How to achieve a good bokeh effect?

Within the blurring effect, there are many important aspects that are highly relevant. But the first of these is the focal distance that we use. Shorter focal length results in greater depth of field. As we use lenses with a longer focal length, such as telephoto lenses (85mm, 200mm, 300mm, etc.), our image will have a shallower depth of field. Conversely, if we use shorter focal length lenses (10mm, 16mm, 20mm, etc.), our photo will have a greater depth of field.

Shorter focal length results in greater depth of field.

The second important element is the distance between the elements to be photographed. If you get closer to your subject, it will be easier to blur the background. Of course, factors like the quality of the lens you're using also play a role, but let's list the main aspects you need to consider if you want to experiment with this type of photography.

• Diaphragm opening. The wider the aperture, the shallower the depth of field, especially from f/2.8 onwards. The depth of field becomes so shallow that very few elements of the composition are in focus. This leaves the rest of the photograph out of focus, creating bokeh.
• Focal distance. The longer the focal length, the shallower the depth of field. This means that more blur is generated. For example, taking a photograph with a 100mm lens will result in a greater depth of field than taking it with a 200mm lens.
• Distance between subject and background. As the subject moves closer to the background and therefore further from the camera, the depth of field increases. Conversely, if we move the subject away from the background and closer to the camera, the depth of field decreases, and the bokeh effect becomes more pronounced.

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Different types of Bokeh

Poorly defined. We're referring to elements that are barely out of focus at their edges. Such a well-defined element cannot be considered bokeh. This doesn't mean it's wrong, if that's what the photographer was aiming for.

Neutral. In this case the boundary is a little more blurred, and the lighting is more uniform.

Very well defined. With the edge completely out of focus. That would be the perfect Bokeh, the one that is totally blurred.

Tips to help you improve your results

Trick 1: If you don't have a lens that allows for a very wide aperture, use long focal lengths of 200 or 300mm. This way, although the effect won't be the same, you'll achieve a very similar result.
Trick 2: Experiment, and don't just stick with the first option. We know that colors in out-of-focus lights can produce great results, but have you considered taking these photos in black and white?
Trick 3: Try to keep the subject close to the camera; if that's not possible, move it as far away from the background you want to blur as possible to achieve a good bokeh effect.

Summary

Even if you don't have the best equipment, with the tips we've mentioned and the information you now have, you're very likely ready to start experimenting with blur effects. Remember, if you need to ask us a question about your equipment, or if you want to contact us, you can do so through our contact form or by phone:965 46 18 62, We'd be happy to help you.