How I Fell in Love with Bokeh Photography
It all started one chilly evening in Brooklyn. I was out with my old Canon DSLR, capturing street scenes for fun. As the city lights began to glow against the twilight, I noticed something magical happening behind my subject—a soft, dreamy blur that made the background look like twinkling stars. That was the first time I unintentionally captured bokeh, and I’ve been obsessed ever since.
Since then, I've spent years experimenting with bokeh, refining my technique, and learning from professionals. Whether you're using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone, achieving bokeh isn't as complicated as it seems. Let me walk you through everything I’ve learned.
What is Bokeh and Why It Matters in Photography
Bokeh, derived from the Japanese word “boke” meaning “blur,” refers to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus parts of a photograph. It’s more than just background blur; it’s about the feel, the softness, and the character those blurred lights and shapes bring to your image.
Great bokeh can transform an ordinary portrait into something cinematic. It pulls the subject into sharp focus while melting distractions into artistic background highlights. Whether you're shooting portraits, nature, or nighttime cityscapes, mastering bokeh can bring an entirely new dimension to your photography.
1. Choosing the Right Lens for Bokeh
Why Lens Aperture is Key
The aperture of your lens plays a critical role in bokeh quality. A wide aperture (low f-number like f/1.8 or f/1.4) allows more light and creates a shallower depth of field, which is ideal for bokeh. Prime lenses like the 50mm f/1.8 are budget-friendly and bokeh-rich favorites among beginners and pros alike.
My Go-To Lenses
Personally, I swear by the Canon 85mm f/1.4 for portraits and the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for environmental shots. These lenses produce incredibly creamy bokeh, especially when paired with the right lighting.
2. Camera Settings That Make or Break Bokeh
Shooting in Manual Mode
If you want full control over your bokeh, manual mode is your best friend. Set your aperture to the lowest f-stop your lens allows. Next, adjust your shutter speed and ISO for proper exposure. I often start with ISO 100 and adjust upward if needed depending on light.
Focusing on the Subject
Focus directly on your subject’s eyes or the most important part of the scene. Use single-point autofocus if your camera allows. This ensures your subject remains sharp while the background fades beautifully into blur.
3. Creating the Right Background for Bokeh
Distance and Light Sources Matter
The farther your subject is from the background, the better the bokeh. Background lights, like fairy lights, traffic, or sun peeking through leaves, are perfect for creating soft bokeh circles. I once shot a friend in front of a Christmas tree—those ornaments turned into glowing orbs of joy.
Textures and Reflections
Wet pavement, glistening leaves, or reflective windows can catch and scatter light in beautiful ways. Don’t underestimate everyday textures—they might give you the best bokeh of your life.
4. Bokeh with Smartphones: Yes, It’s Possible
Portrait Mode and Manual Apps
Modern smartphones like the iPhone and Google Pixel series have powerful portrait modes that simulate bokeh using software. But for a more artistic touch, apps like Halide (iOS) or ProCam allow you to manually adjust focus and aperture (simulated) to create better background blur.
DIY Smartphone Bokeh Trick
One trick I love is placing fairy lights behind the subject and using a clip-on lens for a shallower depth of field. With a bit of practice and the right angles, even phones can deliver bokeh that rivals entry-level DSLRs.
5. My Favorite Bokeh Photo Projects
Holiday Lights Portraits
Every December, I grab a thermos of hot cocoa and head to the local holiday market with friends. The string lights everywhere create the perfect backdrop. Shooting at f/1.4 and focusing on my subject’s face always results in magical portraits full of warm, glowing bokeh.
Rainy Night Reflections
After a rainstorm, city streets become reflective canvases. Try photographing through car windows or puddles with neon signs in the background. The moisture enhances bokeh beautifully—something I learned by accident while shooting late in Manhattan.
6. Tips to Elevate Your Bokeh Game
Experiment with Shapes
You can create shaped bokeh (hearts, stars) by cutting small shapes in a piece of black paper and attaching it over your lens. I tried this during a Valentine’s Day shoot, and the heart-shaped bokeh made the shots unforgettable.
Use Layered Foregrounds
Placing objects like glass, mesh, or plastic in front of your lens can add a dreamlike haze to your photos. It’s a fun way to add depth and enhance the bokeh effect naturally.
Why Bokeh Keeps Me Inspired
Every time I pick up my camera, I’m reminded that photography isn’t just about capturing images—it’s about capturing emotion. Bokeh adds that extra layer of mood and magic that turns everyday moments into visual poetry.
If you're passionate about photography like I am, or you're just starting out, don't be afraid to explore and play. And if you ever want a personalized photo session with the perfect bokeh backdrop, come visit us at Photo Studio. We’ve got the tools, the lighting, and the passion to bring your vision to life.
