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

[Trude]

Right now, I'm so happy how this turned out:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trudem/3574333859/
They're these lovely bushy plants outside of my neighbor's house; I'd been meaning to capture them for a while and they were finally perfectly flowering. :)

[Dorean]

I love bokeh! Here's one of my favorites I've done: http://capturedbylight.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/water-drop-5/

[Betty Jo]

Your photo is gorgeous as are those being shared! I shot two rain-drop shots this morning and both have bokeh. Dew drops or rain drops in the background normally give me good bokeh.

http://digiscribbles.blogspot.com/2009/06/dancing-in-rain.html

[Wanda]

All bokeh all the time....

http://whatwouldwandado.blogspot.com/2009/06/things-i-dont-understand.html

[Bev]

beautiful light
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37013676@N06/3616497939/

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