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HowTo: Make Magical Bokeh Photographs

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.

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