{"id":242429,"date":"2025-12-22T01:16:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T09:16:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/picsart.com\/blog\/?p=242429"},"modified":"2025-12-22T01:16:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T09:16:24","slug":"what-is-bokeh-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/picsart.com\/blog\/what-is-bokeh-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"What is bokeh photography?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bokeh is one of the most captivating visual effects in modern photography, a dreamy background glow that instantly elevates portraits, products, and everyday snapshots into artistic images. Whether you\u2019ve seen creamy circles of light behind a subject or soft, aesthetic blurs in holiday photos, that magical softness is called bokeh. It\u2019s wildly popular across social media, mobile photography, and professional shoots because it adds emotion, depth, and atmosphere to any frame.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you\u2019re not using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, the aesthetic is easier to achieve than ever thanks to smart smartphone lenses and editing tools. And once you understand how bokeh works, you\u2019ll start seeing it everywhere &#8211; city nights, caf\u00e9 windows, sunsets, holiday lights, and even everyday backgrounds that sparkle when shot the right way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s break down what bokeh really means, how it\u2019s created, how to capture it yourself, and how to edit it like a pro.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"What_bokeh_actually_means\">What bokeh actually means<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The word bokeh comes from the Japanese term <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boke<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (\u30dc\u30b1), meaning \u201cblur\u201d or \u201chaze.\u201d In photography, however, the meaning is more specific: bokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas of an image, not just the fact that the background is blurred.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Blur vs. true bokeh<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A blurred background alone doesn\u2019t guarantee beautiful bokeh. True bokeh has character &#8211; smooth, creamy circles of light, pleasing shapes, and soft edges that enhance the subject rather than distracting from it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Good bokeh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> feels soft, round, and harmonious.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Busy bokeh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> looks distracting, harsh, or jittery.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This character is heavily influenced by the lens you use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How lens design influences bokeh<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The aperture blades inside a lens determine the shape of the out-of-focus highlights. More rounded blades = rounder bokeh. Fewer or angular blades = polygon-shaped bokeh (often hexagonal). The internal construction, glass quality, and optical aberrations also affect how smooth or textured the bokeh appears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why some lenses, especially fast prime lenses like 50mm f\/1.4 or 85mm f\/1.2, are beloved for how beautifully they render background blur.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_bokeh_is_created\">How bokeh is created<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At its core, bokeh is a result of shallow depth of field. When only a small portion of the scene is in focus, everything else melts away into softness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Depth of field explained simply<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depth of field refers to how much of your photo appears sharp. A shallow depth of field means:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">subject = in focus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">background = blurred<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is essential for creating bokeh.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Aperture size and f-stop values<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aperture controls depth of field. Lower f-stop values (like f\/1.4, f\/1.8, f\/2.0) mean a wider aperture, which lets in more light and creates stronger blur.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wide aperture (f\/1.4\u2013f\/2.8)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2192 Strong bokeh<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medium aperture (f\/3.5\u2013f\/5.6)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2192 Subtle bokeh<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Narrow aperture (f\/8\u2013f\/16)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2192 Most background in focus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why portrait photographers often shoot wide open because it produces that iconic creamy effect.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The distance triangle: subject, background, and camera<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bokeh quality is also influenced by the relationship between:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how close the subject is to the camera<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how far the subject is from the background<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the focal length of the lens<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To maximize bokeh:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 Place the subject close to the camera<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2714 Place the background far behind the subject<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2714 use a longer lens (50mm, 85mm, 135mm)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Lenses that naturally produce strong bokeh<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some lenses are famous for their bokeh rendering:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50mm f\/1.4 or f\/1.8<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">85mm f\/1.4 or f\/1.2<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">70\u2013200mm f\/2.8<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specialty lenses like Helios 44-2 (swirly bokeh) or Petzval lenses (artistic bokeh)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phone cameras simulate this effect computationally, but modern AI algorithms are impressive, especially when paired with editing tools afterward.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"The_different_types_of_bokeh\">The different types of bokeh<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all bokeh is created equal. The shape and character vary widely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Circular bokeh<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Produced by lenses with rounded aperture blades. This is the most \u201cclassic\u201d bokeh &#8211; smooth, creamy, and soft.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Hexagonal or polygon bokeh<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a lens has 5-6 aperture blades, bokeh highlights often appear as geometric shapes. Some photographers love this; others find it distracting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Novelty-shaped bokeh<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can create heart, star, or custom-shaped bokeh using lens filters or cut-out aperture masks. It\u2019s a fun trick, especially for holiday photos.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Smooth vs. busy bokeh<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Smooth bokeh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> = soft-edged, creamy transitions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Busy bokeh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> = sharper edges, harsh lines, nervous patterns<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factors that cause busy bokeh include optical aberrations, low-quality lenses, or too much background detail.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Lens aberrations that affect the bokeh character<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some aberrations negatively impact bokeh:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Onion ring bokeh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from low-quality aspherical elements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Swirly bokeh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from vintage lenses (often considered artistic)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cat-eye bokeh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> toward the edges of the frame when shooting wide open<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding these helps photographers choose the right tool for the aesthetic they want.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Practical_tips_to_capture_beautiful_bokeh\">Practical tips to capture beautiful bokeh<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don\u2019t need expensive gear to achieve gorgeous bokeh, just thoughtful technique.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Recommended camera settings<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aperture: <\/span><b>f\/1.4 &#8211; f\/2.8<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ISO: as low as possible<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shutter speed: adjust based on lighting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lens: 50mm or longer for portraits<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Position your subject for maximum impact<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place your subject:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>close to the lens<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>far from the background<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This increases background blur dramatically.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Use light sources to create visible bokeh highlights<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anything small and bright can become a bokeh ball:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">string lights<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">city lights<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sunlight through leaves<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reflections on water<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">holiday decorations<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Position these behind your subject for the most enchanting effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Tips for smartphone users<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even without a DSLR, you can still capture real or simulated bokeh:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use portrait mode<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a foreground subject with strong contrast<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add lights to the background for visible bokeh discs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lock focus on your subject to exaggerate background blur<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mobile cameras combined with post-processing tools now offer impressive results.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Creative_ways_to_use_bokeh\">Creative ways to use bokeh<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bokeh isn\u2019t just pretty; it adds mood, storytelling, and visual depth. Here are the most popular ways to use it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Portrait photography<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soft bokeh isolates your subject\u2019s face, making them stand out instantly. It adds emotion and polish to lifestyle shots, headshots, and candid portraits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Product photography<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bokeh helps small products pop without distractions. Jewelry, cosmetics, and handmade goods especially benefit from dreamy backgrounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Night city lights<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Streetlights, car headlights, and neon signs create stunning circular bokeh at night.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Holiday and seasonal themes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bokeh is perfect for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Christmas trees<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter lights<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Halloween lanterns<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valentine\u2019s Day heart-shaped filters<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These glowing backgrounds make photos feel warm and festive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Common_mistakes_and_how_to_avoid_them\">Common mistakes and how to avoid them<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even experienced photographers make mistakes when trying to capture bokeh. Here\u2019s how to fix them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Overblurring<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Too much blur can eliminate all context, making the image feel flat. Maintain enough detail for visual balance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Poor subject separation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your subject is too close to the background, you won\u2019t get strong bokeh. Increase distance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Using the wrong lighting<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bokeh relies on highlights. Dark or evenly lit backgrounds won\u2019t produce visible bokeh patterns.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Relying solely on editing<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Editing helps, but natural bokeh looks best when captured in-camera first.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Editing_bokeh_in_post-production\">Editing bokeh in post-production<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Editing is your secret weapon for refining or adding bokeh.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Enhancing natural bokeh<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can increase contrast, brighten highlights, or soften edges to make bokeh more pronounced.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Adding artificial bokeh<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every photo is shot with the perfect lens or lighting, so post-production tools are ideal for adding blur where needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>AI tools for bokeh effects<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI-powered editing helps you blur backgrounds cleanly, isolate subjects, and create realistic depth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn background-blurring techniques in guides like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/picsart.com\/blog\/how-to-blur-the-background-of-a-photo\/\"><b>How to blur the background of a photo<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and for a broader walkthrough, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/picsart.com\/blog\/how-do-you-blur-a-photo\/\"><b>4 ways to add blurring effects to photos<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_get_bokeh-like_blur_with_Picsart\">How to get bokeh-like blur with Picsart<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you didn&#8217;t capture perfect bokeh in-camera, you can create it easily using Picsart\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/picsart.com\/photo-effects\/blur-image\/\"><b>Blur Image<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> effects.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How to use it<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click <\/span><b>\u201cblur image now.\u201d<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upload the photo you want to enhance.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose from blur types: <\/span><b>GBlur, Pixelize, Smart blur, Motion blur, Focal zoom<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adjust the strength, mask areas, or refine edges.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Export and share your finished bokeh-style image.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>User benefits<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast and intuitive<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional-looking blur without special gear<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-quality exports for social media, posters, ads, or creative projects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bokeh is more than just blur; it\u2019s a storytelling tool that adds emotion, depth, and artistry to any photo. Whether you\u2019re using a DSLR, a phone, or an AI-powered editing tool, the magic lies in understanding light, depth of field, and creative composition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By practicing with real-world subjects and experimenting with editing, you\u2019ll quickly learn how to turn everyday scenes into cinematic, glowing, atmospheric images. Bokeh may be timeless, but the tools we now have, including AI editors, make achieving it more accessible than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So go experiment, chase the light, play with depth, and create photos that feel alive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b>What does bokeh mean in photos?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It refers to the quality and aesthetic of the blurred background, not just blur itself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What are common bokeh mistakes to avoid?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overblurring, poor subject separation, and insufficient light sources in the background.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How do I make my photo bokeh?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a wide aperture, put your subject far from the background, and include small points of light.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What\u2019s the difference between blur and bokeh?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blur describes anything out of focus. Bokeh describes the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aesthetic quality<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of that blur.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bokeh is one of the most captivating visual effects in modern photography, a dreamy background glow that instantly elevates portraits, products, and everyday snapshots into artistic images. Whether you\u2019ve seen creamy circles of light behind a subject or soft, aesthetic blurs in holiday photos, that magical softness is called bokeh. It\u2019s wildly popular across social &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/picsart.com\/blog\/what-is-bokeh-photography\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;What is bokeh photography?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":242430,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_title":"What is Bokeh Photography? | Picsart Blog","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn the true meaning of bokeh, how to create stunning background blur, and edit photos like a professional \ud83d\udcf8","faq_show":false,"faq_enable_schema":false,"how_to_show":false,"how_to_show_on_single":false,"how_to_enable_schema":false,"how_to_is_upload":false,"faq_title":"","how_to_title":"","how_to_layout":"","how_to_cta_text":"","how_to_cta_url":"","how_to_image_alt":"","how_to_display_image":0,"faq_items":[],"how_to_steps":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[2845],"tags":[3607,3606,3608,72,295],"class_list":["post-242429","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editing","tag-background-blur","tag-bokeh-photography","tag-depth-of-field","tag-photo-editing","tag-portrait-photography","entry"],"acf":{"faq_show":false,"faq_title":"Frequently asked questions","faq_enable_schema":true,"faq_items":null,"how_to_show":false,"how_to_show_on_single":false,"how_to_title":"","how_to_layout":"default","how_to_steps":null,"how_to_enable_schema":true,"how_to_is_upload":true,"how_to_cta_text":"","how_to_cta_url":"https:\/\/picsart.com\/create\/editor","how_to_display_image":null,"how_to_image_alt":"","footer_banner_name":"Start your design in Picsart","footer_banner_link_":"\/","footer_banner_button_text_":"Get Started"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is Bokeh Photography? 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