📷 Photography basics

Bokeh

The aesthetic quality of the blur in out-of-focus areas of a photo.

What is bokeh?

Bokeh (from Japanese "boke" meaning blur or haze) refers to the visual quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph. Good bokeh is typically smooth and creamy, while poor bokeh can appear harsh or distracting. Bokeh is most noticeable when shooting with a wide aperture, creating a shallow depth of field. In product photography, bokeh is often used in lifestyle shots to separate the product from the background and create a professional, polished look.

Examples

  • Jewelry on a surface with blurred lights in the background
  • A product with a soft, creamy out-of-focus garden scene behind it

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