HowTo: Make Magical Bokeh Photographs

Hongkiat has compiled a collection of beautiful examples of "Bokeh" photography (1, 2):

"The word 'Bokeh' derives from the Japanese for 'blur' or 'haze', and in photography describes the effect found in out-of-focus regions of images. Different lens designs, aperture shapes and sizes, and various depths of field have profound effects on the type and extent of bokeh produced in a photograph. Bokeh happens in the areas of an image beyond the depth of focus; by playing with focus and lens, photographers can create some stunning images."

And better yet, Hongkiat has also provided a link round-up of tutorials on how to do-it-yourself. Hongkiat's recommended sites below, as well as a selection from their gallery of Bokeh images.

• DSLR Bokeh Tutorial
• Pocket Camera Bokeh Tutorial
• DIY – Create Your Own Bokeh
• Awesome Digital Bokeh Effect in Photoshop
• Colourful Bokeh Effect in Pixelmator