beautiful bokeh

Ever since I heard the term Bokeh I was intrigued. I am infatuated with light and how light works to create a good photograph. I had always thought of Bokeh as the translation of out of focus light in little (or big) circular or sometime octagon-like shapes. We’ve all seen lovely shots full of beautiful bokeh but there’s more to it that I thought. I didn’t realize until a few months back that out of focus elements of the image that are smooth and delicious are also called Bokeh. OK then, now I know.

But what really got my attention is the term “bad bokeh”. Bad? Ouch. I'm not a person who really likes that word so it makes me cringe a little.  To my delight, after all this talk about bad bokeh, it turns out that folks are finally letting on that what is good and bad about Bokeh is highly subjective. Indeed! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, er, photographer. My sentiments exactly.

When I look at a photograph (mine or someone elses) I am either drawn to it, or I am not. It's personal. There are elements within the shot that I could examine and describe and break down in my own mind. Why I like it, what works for me, etc. but mostly I just go on feel. How does the image make me feel? That is usually the indication to me of whether or not an image works. I know there’s a science to Bokeh but it makes my head spin trying to crack the code. So, I continue to seek these whimsical and mysterious circles of light, treating them like compositional elements, honoring them, giving them space to dance and play with my subjects and through trail and error I discover what works for me. Of course then there's the question of processing. I digress.

I know I’ve succeeded when a simple image whispers secrets of beauty to my bended ear. When my spirit is lifted by a single moment distilled. When I beleive that anything is possible. When I feel it.

Do you also share a love affair with light?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and see the images of with bokeh that whisper secrets to you.

Comments

[bebe]

this one is almost all bokeh. It may be good it may be bad but I love it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mydailypic/3544573882/

This one too.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mydailypic/3532605340/

[Jaana]

Bokeh is very intriguing indeed! http://www.flickr.com/photos/dxeechick/3592173363/

[Sue Henry]

One of my absolute favorite images with bokeh:

http://suehenryphotography.wordpress.com/2008/12/26/a-new-tradition/

and, one more:

http://suehenryphotography.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/color/

[leaca]

I love seeing the crazy ways bokeh is produced. It can be anything from the norm to the crazy, like the moisture in someones eye. I have only been doing photography for a year and a half and so I am still going through the processes of techniques and it has been fun.

I went through my stream and pulled some <a href="http://simplyblogged.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/bokeh-lovers-unite/">of my favorite bokeh shots.</a>

[kosenrufu mama]

her just one, wonderful flower...
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/2009/04/cercando-speranza.html

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

It's been a while since I've chased down some bokeh-licious-ness......

Here is my most recent shot:
http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com/2009/04/reminder-1.html

But, I've got lots photos hidden around in the archives!
http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com/search/label/Bokeh

I think it's high time I get out and capture me some bokeh, eh?!

~WW

[Karyn]

I had so much fun on our vacation 'gathering' bokeh...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kayak57/3593041170/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kayak57/3592235485/in/set-72157619116976283/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kayak57/3593043400/

[Jody]

I dug around my RAW files today and found a great shot with bokeh in the background. I wish I had processed long ago!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/3593050964/

and here is another one..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/3563469430/

I love bokeh. My next technique to conquer is flair. Maybe do an article oneday about it?

[Amy]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30588897@N06/3562665171/in/photostream/

good post, bokeh fascinates me.

[Amy]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30588897@N06/3569561647/in/photostream/

oh and one more recent one:)

[Melissa]

Wayfaring Wanderer, I love that term...bokeh-licious-ness!

I love it when bokeh shows uo in unexpected places...like in the dirt in this shot.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mollymelly/3527826979/

[Katy]

These are some from a recent walk in Calgary:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29536663@N04/3573591619/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29536663@N04/3573587659/

[Sandra]

I shot these yesterday.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/artfullife/3589968583/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/artfullife/3589991695/

[Jennifer]

For me, bokeh is a mystery - serindipiousdly captured. I wish I knew the secret formula. Loving everyone's dreamy images!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/veridianblue/3580824526/

[Paris Parfait]

It's a beautiful shot, Tracy! Well done, you! Before I knew anything about photography, I thought that bokeh in photos represented flaws; now I have a different view.

[lilia]

oh, sweet bokeh...I am so smitten....here is today's smite:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pumpkinoodle/3592008333/

:-)

xoxo,
lilia

[Shae]

I love the use of bokeh. Ever since I got my lensbaby and my 1.8 lens, I have been obsessed!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saflower/3502791600/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saflower/3534024163/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saflower/3565937406/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saflower/3488622781/

[Vanessa]

i'm a beginner and ever since i found this flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/okay-bokeh/ and read a little about bokeh in its "about" section, i've been experimenting a little obsessively.
the extra late spring/early summer light i've been getting here lately is feeding my obsession!
i love it when i can capture those little magical circles of light and play with smooth, light-filled areas.
and though i know that to a purist, these would be "bad bokeh" for sure, i still love them :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3524627193/in/set-72157607454224383/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3530034343/in/set-72157607454224383/

[Rachel Parton]

hurray for bokeh! i love the light & sparkle in this picture:
http://partonpics.blogspot.com/2009/05/sparkle.html

[My Two Seasons]

I'm in love with bokeh! I can't seem to drag myself out of shooting wide open! It's just so dang pretty!

Here's some of my latest:
http://mytwoseasons.com/2009/05/26/the-beauty-of-rosesand-clover/

[Danielle]

This one only has a little bit of bokeh in the background, but I love the way it sparkles:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27400048@N04/3481107486/

And here's some yummy bokeh captured at Christmastime:

http://dancebythelight.wordpress.com/2008/12/17/a-christmas-tradition/

[vivienne]

i wholeheartedly agree. i've never really thought of something as being 'bad bokeh' but just as you say, i either feel drawn to it or i don't. i'm especially drawn to big circular balls of bokeh goodness....i think this is my fave bokeh shot i've taken.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/missvivienne/3446107693/

[Mama Moose]

I love me some bokeh! It's what I strive for in my photography. Here's some of my favorites:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamoose/3443544016/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamoose/3321025496/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamoose/3584173582/

[Tracy]

YAY for bokeh!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracylederer/3441320831/

[Puna]

I love bokeh, it helps to look at it when I'm feeling frustrated.

http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/boo-hoo-the-dew/

[Teri]

I am in love with this photo I took last week. Bachelor Button Bokeh:)
http://teriargo.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/144365/

[jo]

Not pretty or cute - but I like it. My husband commented that the picture was al blurred - he didn't understand when I told him it was supposed to be like that!!

http://mrsbeee.blogspot.com/2009/06/project-365-day-152.html

[Sylvia]

Bokeh is our friend!!!
I find myself looking at the bokeh in the background instead of what's in the foreground.

Also when watching TV....seeing some and saying outloud...."ooh nice bokeh!"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/slcook52/sets/72157606626165441/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/slcook52/3060190369/in/set-72157606753578076/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/slcook52/3058514868/in/set-72157606753578076/

http://sylviacookphotography.blogspot.com/2009/05/dazzling.html

http://sylviacookphotography.blogspot.com/2009/01/intermission-over.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/slcook52/3115976192/in/set-72157603293826768/


I have SO SO many more!!!

[Elin]

I think bokeh makes the photo "sing" or "sparkle".....I love looking at bokeh photos, I think it adds a second dimention.

This is my latest bokeh photo.......rainy bokeh:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7253515@N03/3592490280/

[Marcy]

This is one of my favorite pictures, and I like to think it's got quite nice bokeh as well.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mightymarce/3338713909/

The 2 lenses we got with our camera when we bought it about 1.5 years ago, was a 17-85mm lens and the deliciously wonderful 50mm 1.8. I've been having a love affair with shooting wide open, and beautiful bokeh (even if I didn't learn that official term until a few months ago), ever since. =)

[Kathleen O./ko2008]

I chase the light. Try to use it as best I can. The right light makes everything look beautiful.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/3593866738/

[Crisse]

I've lately become fascinated with playing with light... especially since I've gotten my new 50mm 1.4. The photos are just so delicious!

Here's one of my recent captures http://www.flickr.com/photos/tildabelle/3575434806/

[Becky]

Yay! A new term to use.

http://blog.bagdanoffphoto.com/?p=1313

Posted this as today's Daily Photo, then came here and saw the article :)

[mama-pan]

I'm not even sure if this one counts, or if it's more of just a nice depth-of-focus--either way, I like how it came out:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/98076237@N00/3459031681/in/set-72157617003460965?edited=1

[Toni | DailyVignette]

Hi, my name is Toni Johnson and I am a bokeh addict.

Not my favorite photo, but I found it interesting:
http://dailyvignette.com/2009/05/31/wind-wind-go-away/

These have little, itty-bitty, bits of bokeh:
http://dailyvignette.com/2009/05/30/stealth-bomber/
http://dailyvignette.com/2009/05/22/whats-for-dinner-mom/
http://dailyvignette.com/2009/05/18/freckles-blue-eyes-and-red-hair/

[spread your wings]

this is one of my favorites
http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/3332129158/in/set-72157613443592199/

[Chris]

I just love bokeh. I don't try to get it purposefully, but if I get it, I love it! Here's a couple of my favorites:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeroldssis/3434135058/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeroldssis/3199114655/

[kristin]

bokeh and light = magic in a photo. this is one of my personal faves...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/2969310721/in/set-72157608160457239/

[Gail]

I'm not quite sure what the difference is between bokah and DOF....with my G9 I can get some DOF but I never seem to get those wonderful balls of light...Is this bokah?...I don't know...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22733432@N08/3507564868/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22733432@N08/3353906291/

[mrs. e]

I like the shadows...everywhere but on the bridge.

http://quotequill.blogspot.com/2009/06/bridges.html

[Diane]

I'm glad you're talking about bokeh. I have lots of shots with it and agree it's subjective. I'm lately on a 'skip-over-it' if it's a flower image, bokeh or not. I think, like bokeh, we get tired of everyone following what everyone else is doing. I'm feeling like I need to follow my own path a lot more these days. Not sure how this is coming across -- I certainly don't mean for it to be critical or even depressing. I'm just so tired of seeing so many images of flowers everywhere yet I perk up like a cat on a hot tin roof when I see a remarkable photo that is not a flower but some real moment in time, some detail, or shadow. And ... if bokeh is involved, I'm even more excited. I don't care if it's bokeh balls, bokeh octagons, or soft blurry bokeh. You're right -- it's all in the eye of the beholder. So, I won't share the multiple links to my bokeh images but simply wanted to add to this lovely pondering on bokeh. Yes, I love it -- in all its forms -- as long as it's in an image that is unique, out of the ordinary, or maybe a very ordinary moment, but just not another flower :)

Gosh I wish I could attend an in-person bokeh-fest where we all talk about bokeh, uniqueness, and other photographic endeavours. Thank goodness for SS!

[Elizabeth]

I love bokeh(ish) circles of background color. Like in this one:http://www.flickr.com/photos/mindwhisperings/3590035093/

[Claudia@ DipityRoad]

I agree that while i really enjoy flowers and bokeh (as it sets it apart so lovely) I do scream with delight when i get a subject with bokeh behind!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cwrightson/3557056671/

[djbeat]

i've always had a love of dof shots & only recently learned about the idea of bokeh. i love the idea that we can look at something with the naked eye and again through the camera lens and change the story... it is a magical way of drawing your eye to the focus - but it also creates beauty from things in the background or foreground that you would never have considered to be interesting... like a painting - sometimes you discover or create happy accidents - sometimes they take effort... i love my 50...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/djbeat/3535953069/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/djbeat/3593903943/

[djbeat]

i noticed a few people had questions re the definition of bokeh... i've looked it up recently after a big broohaha on flickr's bokeh whores group... (research & sharing is an occupational hazard)

Bokeh (derived from Japanese, a noun boke 暈け, meaning "blur" or "haze") is a photographic term referring to the appearance of point of light sources in an out-of-focus area of an image produced by a camera lens using a shallow depth of field.[1] Different lens bokeh produces different aesthetic qualities in out-of-focus backgrounds, which are often used to reduce distractions and emphasize the primary subject.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh

[Marcie]

Am a little late showing up here....
Me too - I'm having a love affair with bokeh. Here are a couple of mine:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=806
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=781

[mary]

water drops + sun = dreamy bokeh:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9068078@N05/3392986343/

[georgia]

it's because of shutter sisters that i learned what bokeh is. i was never able to achieve it with my old camera {unless i used the macro setting}. but with my new camera, i can get it a lot, so i often try. but my favorite bokeh shot of recent was unintentional. it is the first one {starbucks drink} in this post:
http://itsjusthowiseethings.blogspot.com/2009/05/ill-have-tall-iced-green-tea-latte-with.html

great post! thanks for always teaching us about photography. i've learned so much here.

[claudia]

I'm a couple of days behind here, but I have to agree with Diane somewhat, although I am ever so guilty of the flowery stuff. Since getting my new dslr, I'm a bit obsessed about the bokeh business and struggle with my own photographic choices to attain it. Every once in a while I change things up by shooting Polaroid or even Ttv just to come from a new view point. I do feel like it's "all been done before" a lot of times, as the verse goes "alas there is nothing new under the sun"! Here's my latest favorite anyway...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurohunt/3578561003/in/set-72157604675872027/

[cindy : quaint]

i'm very aware of bokeh and get really frustrated when it ruins a photo. sometimes, i don't always know it if i've captured it or just a shallow dof
http://www.flickr.com/photos/71443419@N00/3592460023/