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HowTo: Make Magical Bokeh Photographs

Nov 2, 2011 11:49 PM

Colorful bokeh with beads or decorations.

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."

Blurred street scene with festive lights.

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.

A child with wet hair smiles while playing outdoors.

Butterfly perched on a purple flower.

Hands gripping a chain-link fence.

A hummingbird in flight against a colorful, blurred background.

A steaming cup with a striped design.

Water droplets splashing in a fountain.

Dandelion seed head with a blurred background.

A close-up of a spider web glistening with dew drops and surrounded by blurred bokeh lights.

Man wearing sunglasses playfully interacting with a wall adorned with bokeh lights.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.