Bokeh? Okay!

There’s something to be said about Bokeh.

After all, it can lift a standard, boring shot from drab to fab. In fact, I’ll go as far as to say that Bokeh is to a photo what a red lip is to make-up and what MSG is to Chinese cooking (!) – not always needed but when done right…boy-oh-boy!

So what exactly is Bokeh? Here’s a wiki definition:

In photography, bokeh (Originally /ˈboʊkɛ/, /ˈboʊkeɪ/ BOH-kay — also sometimes pronounced as /ˈboʊkə/ BOH-kə, Japanese: [boke]) is the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image produced by a lens. Bokeh has been defined as “the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light”.

I played around with Bokeh at home today using books, showpieces and a string of Christmas fairy lights. It was my first time so there was a fair bit of trial and error, but I am pleased with the results (not to mention, addicted!).

I used a Nikkor 35 mm (F2) but anything between F1.8 and F1.4 is ideal. (More tips and tricks here.)  If you’ve dabbled in creative Bokeh, link me up to your work in the comments section – I’d love to check it out and learn new techniques!

Stars as bookmarks? Why not!

Evening beverage sorted

Happy cat sending out happy vibes

All his light-bulb moments have paid off.

Oops, I’ve let the genie out…

Blisssssss…

A thousand splendid suns…

Crystal clear

The eternal flame…

“The only way out is in”

My cup runneth over

The roving eye