Bokeh is the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph, typically seen as soft, blurred circles of light in the background. It enhances subject isolation and adds a dreamy or artistic feel to images.
How to Create Bokeh:
1. Use a Wide Aperture (Low f-number) – A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8) creates a shallower depth of field, making the background blurrier.
2. Increase Subject-Background Distance – The farther your subject is from the background, the stronger the blur effect.
3. Use a Longer Focal Length – Telephoto lenses (e.g., 85mm, 135mm, or 200mm) naturally compress the background, enhancing bokeh.
4. Choose the Right Background – Small, bright light sources (like fairy lights or city lights) produce beautiful bokeh shapes.
5. Position the Subject Close to the Camera – The closer your subject is to the lens, the more pronounced the background blur.
6. Use a Fast Prime Lens – Lenses with wide maximum apertures (e.g., 50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.4) are great for achieving smooth bokeh.
Since my street and documentary photography style is more candid and distant, using bokeh creatively can help isolate subjects while maintaining an immersive feel. Here are some techniques tailored to your approach:
1. Subject Isolation in Crowded Scenes
• Use a fast prime or telephoto lens (e.g., 85mm f/1.8, 135mm f/2.8) to separate a subject from a chaotic street scene.
• Focus on a single person while letting the background dissolve into soft colors and shapes.
2. Shooting Through Objects
• Use foreground elements like fences, glass, or leaves to create a natural bokeh frame around your subject.
• This adds depth and a sense of mystery, especially in urban environments.
3. Night Bokeh with City Lights
• Capture blurred neon signs, street lamps, or headlights to create an atmospheric backdrop.
• Shooting at dusk or nighttime with a wide aperture enhances this effect.
4. Layering with Bokeh for Storytelling
• Blur the background while keeping elements like street signs or billboards readable to add context.
• This works well when telling a story about urban life or business activity.
5. Silhouettes and Bokeh
• Place your subject against a background filled with lights and expose for the highlights.
• This creates dramatic silhouettes with glowing, soft-focus bokeh.
Since I prefer a “sniper” approach, using longer focal lengths (e.g., 85mm–200mm) will naturally enhance background blur while allowing you to maintain distance from subjects.
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