Bokeh is Blur, or is Blur Bokeh?

Every photographer breathing at this moment in time has heard the term “bokeh”. However, you do not have to surf the net very long to realize that many do not understand exactly what it is and how it works. Today’s quick tip: Bokeh simply means “out of focus”. This doesn’t mean blurry, but out of focus. When you focus a lens, there is a plane of critical focus. Radiating out from that plane, in both directions, either in front of, or behind, the critical focus begins to fall off. Depth of field is the window of apparent focus in front of, and behind, the plane of critical focus that appears to be in focus. When the apparent focus ceases, the depth of field window has ended, and you are now in the area known as “bokeh”. But, wait a minute! Isn’t bokeh supposed to appear like this? Some photographers have come to believe that the circles of light (pictured above) are the definition of bokeh. They are not the definition of bokeh; they are the result of bokeh. Pinpoints of light that fall into the bokeh zone (out of focus and outside the depth of field window) will often reproduce as circles of light in a photograph. Bokeh is derived from a Japanese word meaning "blurred" or "hazy," and it's used to describe the character of the out-of-focus areas in a photographic image. The word became popular because it helped photographers to define an out of focus area versus a blurry area. Not all out of focus areas are created equally! The quality level of your lens plays highly into the quality of your bokeh area. If you’d like to learn exactly how to place beautiful bokeh into your photos this weekend. [Go here to check out our premium guide “Creating Beautiful Background Blur” now »]( Keep that creative fire burning 🔥 Cheers, Brett P.S – If you like my tips (and you want to say thanks) forward this email to a photographer pal. It's just 2 clicks, and it helps out a tonne! Did somebody forward this to you? Welcome! Previous tutorials [here](. Or subscribe & grab your free ebook library [here]( :)       [ Want to build your creative confidence? Try our super supportive [Weekly Photography Challenge Group](. It's a great place to share your work, get inspiration, and mingle with fellow photographers. [Join Now →]( (it's free!)]( [Search 1,000+ tutorials Search]( [Contact Us]( [Member Login]( [Shop Now]( [Free Cheat Sheets]( Thank you for supporting Photzy! We're so glad you're here. Our mission is to help you explore your creative side, through photography. As a small community-led team, email is a crucial way for us to keep in touch. We regularly send out free tutorials, photo tips, inspiration, and store discounts. Never want to hear from us again? Break our lil hearts and [unsubscribe](. Or tell us how we can improve [here](mailto:cservice@photzy.com?subject=Feedback%20on%20your%20email). [Made with ♥ at Level 2 11 York St Sydney Australia]( Copyright © 2012 – 2021 Photzy Pty Ltd.