Bokeh Is Artistic Soul of Photography and Storytelling
Bokeh, a term that resonates deeply in the heart of every photographer, is more than just a technical concept; it's a gateway to artistic expression. In my decade-long journey through the lens, I've come to appreciate bokeh as the subtle art of storytelling, where the focus is not just on the subject but also on how its background is rendered. Bokeh, with its soft, out-of-focus backgrounds, transforms ordinary scenes into mesmerizing images, adding depth, emotion, and a certain mystique to photographs.
Understanding Bokeh: A Historical Perspective
Bokeh, a term originally from the Japanese word "boke" meaning "blur" or "haze," has transformed significantly over the years in the field of photography. The concept, while always present as a natural outcome of optical designs, was not always a deliberate focus in photographic compositions.
Early Photography (Late 19th - Early 20th Century):
In the early days of photography, lenses were simple, and the control over depth of field was limited. Photographers like Julia Margaret Cameron, known for her soft-focus portraits in the Victorian era, unknowingly utilized bokeh to create a dreamy, ethereal quality in her images.
Mid-20th Century:
It wasn't until the mid-20th century that photographers and lens manufacturers began paying closer attention to the quality of the out-of-focus areas. The development of faster lenses with wider apertures facilitated a greater control over depth of field, allowing photographers to use bokeh more creatively.
The Term 'Bokeh' (1990s):
The term "bokeh" was popularized in the 1990s. It gained prominence in Western photographic literature through the works and writings of photographers and authors like John Kennerdell, Mike Johnston, and Oren Grad, who discussed the aesthetic qualities of the blurred parts of a photograph in various publications.
Evolution of Lens Technology:
Lens manufacturers started designing lenses that could create pleasing bokeh, taking into account factors like the shape of the aperture blades. Rounded blades, for example, lead to rounder, softer bokeh, while more aperture blades often result in smoother blur circles.
Notable Photographers:
Photographers like Josef Sudek and Nick Knight, among others, have been known for their effective use of bokeh to enhance the visual appeal of their photographs. Their work often exemplifies how bokeh can transform a simple photograph into a captivating piece of art.
Digital Age and Bokeh:
With the advent of digital photography and advanced lens technology, the control over bokeh has become more precise. Modern photographers have a wide array of tools and lenses at their disposal to experiment with different types of bokeh for various creative effects.
Good vs. Bad Bokeh:
Good Bokeh:
Generally, good bokeh is considered to be smooth and non-distracting. It enhances the photo by isolating the subject and adding a pleasant aesthetic to the out-of-focus areas. Good bokeh often appears soft and creamy, with no hard edges or abrupt transitions in the blur.
Bad Bokeh:
Conversely, bad bokeh can be distracting. It might have harsh edges, noticeable shapes, or a 'busy' appearance that draws the viewer’s attention away from the subject. This is often the result of lower quality lenses or lenses with less sophisticated design and aperture blade systems.
The Science Behind Bokeh
Aperture and Depth of Field:
Wide Apertures (e.g., f/1.2, f/1.4):
These are openings in the lens through which light passes. A wider aperture (indicated by a lower f-number) allows more light to enter the lens. This increased light intake not only helps in low-light conditions but also creates a shallower depth of field. A shallow depth of field means that only a small portion of the image (usually the subject) is in sharp focus, while the rest falls off into blur or bokeh. This effect is particularly pronounced in lenses with very wide apertures.
Lens Elements and Quality:
Quality of Glass:
High-quality lenses use refined glass and coatings that reduce aberrations (flaws like blurring, color fringing) and enhance image clarity. Superior glass quality can contribute to smoother, more aesthetically pleasing bokeh.
Number and Arrangement of Lens Elements:
Lenses are made up of multiple glass elements. The way these elements are arranged (lens design) affects how light is bent and focused onto the camera sensor. Some designs are better at creating pleasing bokeh effects.
Aperture Blades and Bokeh Shapes:
Aperture Blades:
Inside the lens, there are several blades that form the aperture. The shape and number of these blades impact the bokeh's appearance. More rounded blades tend to create rounder, softer bokeh shapes, often desired for their aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, lenses with fewer or more angular blades might produce bokeh with distinct shapes (like hexagons), which might be less smooth.
Manufacturing Precision:
The precision in manufacturing these blades and the aperture mechanism plays a role in how reliably and smoothly the aperture can be adjusted, which in turn affects the bokeh quality.
Techniques to Achieve Bokeh:
Use Fast Lenses with Wide Apertures:
Selecting the Right Lens:
Fast lenses with wide apertures (lower f-numbers like f/1.2, f/1.4, or f/1.8) are ideal for creating good bokeh. These lenses allow more light to enter, enabling a shallower depth of field which isolates the subject and produces a blurred background.
Prime vs. Zoom Lenses:
While prime lenses (fixed focal length) are typically celebrated for their bokeh qualities due to wider maximum apertures, some zoom lenses also offer excellent bokeh, especially those with constant wide apertures throughout the zoom range.
Camera Settings for Optimal Bokeh:
Wide Aperture:
Use the widest aperture available on your lens to decrease the depth of field. This is usually done by selecting the lowest f-number.
Focal Length: Longer focal lengths can amplify the bokeh effect, especially in lenses with longer telephoto ranges.
Subject-to-Camera Distance:
Position your subject closer to the camera relative to the background. The greater the distance between your subject and the background, the more pronounced the bokeh.
Consider the Distance Between Subject and Background:
Strategic Positioning:
By increasing the distance between your subject and the background, you enhance the blur effect on the background. This separation is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy bokeh.
Lighting and Background Elements:
Background Lighting:
Soft, diffused lighting can contribute to a smoother bokeh. Avoid overly harsh or direct light sources in the background.
Background Choice:
A background with elements that can scatter light, such as foliage, water reflections, or city lights, can create an appealing bokeh effect. However, ensure that these elements are not too bright or cluttered, as they can turn into distracting bokeh.
Achieving Good Bokeh:
Softness and Smoothness:
Aim for a bokeh that is soft and seamless, without hard edges in the blur circles.
Consistency: Good bokeh should have a consistent quality across the image, without any abrupt changes in the blur.
Complementing the Subject:
Ensure the bokeh complements your subject. It should enhance the subject by providing a pleasing, non-distracting background.
Practice and Experimentation:
Trial and Error:
Practice with different lenses, settings, and backgrounds to see what types of bokeh each combination produces.
Observe and Learn:
Study photographs with bokeh that you find appealing and try to replicate the settings and conditions that produced them.
Creative Applications of Creative People with Bokeh:
The Artistic Use of Bokeh:
Each of these photographers has a unique style, but what unites them is their ability to use bokeh not just as a photographic technique, but as a means to elevate the storytelling in their images. In portrait photography, bokeh is often used to draw attention to and emphasize the subject, creating a connection between the viewer and the photographed individual. Landscape photographers who utilize bokeh tend to create atmospheres and moods that transcend the traditional sharp landscape image, offering a more impressionistic view of nature. Street photographers using bokeh effectively manage to spotlight moments of life amidst the chaos of the urban environment, giving a sense of intimacy and immediacy to their work.
In essence, these photographers demonstrate that bokeh can be a powerful tool in the visual language of photography, adding layers of meaning and emotion to an image. Their work inspires both professionals and enthusiasts to experiment with depth of field and to consider how the interplay of focus and blur can add dimension to their photographic narratives.
Here is a brief list of different styles and notable photographers that leverage the bokeh technique. For transparency all of the links will direct you to amazon to see hardcover compendiums of their work.
Portrait Photography and Bokeh:
Annie Leibovitz:
Renowned for her stunning celebrity portraits, Leibovitz often uses bokeh to create a dramatic focus on her subjects, allowing their personality to shine through against softly blurred backgrounds.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT “ANNIE LEIBOVITZ at WORK”
Steve McCurry:
Famous for his 'Afghan Girl' portrait, McCurry uses bokeh to isolate his subjects, often capturing deep, emotional stories in their expressions against indistinct backgrounds.
CHECK OUT 40 YEARS OF ICONIC McCURRY PHOTOGRAPHY
Landscape Photography and Bokeh:
Hiroshi Sugimoto:
Known for his long-exposure photographs, Sugimoto has a unique approach where he sometimes uses shallow depth of field in landscape photography, creating a serene bokeh effect that blurs the line between reality and abstraction.
HERE’S 5 DECADES WORTH OF HIROSHI SUGIMOTO
Michael Kenna:
Kenna's black and white landscapes often play with focus and blur, using bokeh to infuse scenes with a sense of mystery and timelessness.
MICHAEL KENNA’S “TREES” IS WONDERFUL COLLECTION
Street Photography and Bokeh:
Henri Cartier-Bresson:
Often hailed as the father of modern street photography, Cartier-Bresson occasionally used bokeh to isolate subjects in busy urban scenes, focusing on the decisive moment.
DECISIVE MOMENTS ABOUND IN HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON: CHINA 1948-1949, 1958
Vivian Maier:
Her street photographs, frequently shot with a Rolleiflex camera, occasionally employed shallow depth of field to highlight subjects amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
SEE AMAZING BOKEH EXAMPLES IN “THE COLOR WORK”
Custom Bokeh Filters: How to Make Them and Common Hiccups:
Custom bokeh filters, often DIY projects, are a creative way to add an artistic touch to your photos. These filters can transform the out-of-focus light points in your images into specific shapes, like hearts, stars, or virtually any design you can cut out. Here’s how you can construct and use custom bokeh filters:
Constructing Custom Bokeh Filters:
Materials Needed:
- Black paper or cardstock.
- A craft knife or scissors.
- A pencil.
- A lens cap or a circular template matching the diameter of your lens.
- Tape or an elastic band.
Steps to Create the Filter:
Cut a Circle from Black Paper:
Trace the lens cap or circular template onto the black paper to make a circle that will cover the front of your lens.
Create a Design in the Center:
Draw and carefully cut out a small shape (around 10-15mm in size) in the center of the circle. This shape can be anything you like – a star, heart, etc. The precision of the cut and the size of the design are crucial. Too large, and the effect might not be as distinct; too small, and it might not be noticeable.
Attach to Your Lens:
Fasten this filter over your lens using tape or an elastic band. Ensure it's secure and that the design is centered over the lens.
Using Your Custom Bokeh Filter:
Adjust Your Camera Settings:
To maximize the effect, use a lens with a wide aperture (like f/1.4 or f/1.8). Set your camera to its widest aperture.
Select the Right Subject and Background:
The subject should be well lit and distinctly separated from the background. The custom bokeh effect appears in the out-of-focus areas, so having a light source or reflective elements in the background helps.
Focus on Your Subject:
Ensure your subject is in sharp focus. The custom bokeh shapes will appear wherever the light is blurred in the background.
Experiment with Distance:
The distance between the camera, the subject, and the background can significantly affect the bokeh shape's appearance. Experiment with these distances to find the most pleasing effect.
Common Pitfalls and Post-Processing:
Avoid Overpowering the Subject:
While custom bokeh shapes can be fun, ensure they don’t distract from the main subject. The effect should complement, not dominate, the photo.
Selective Blurring in Post-Processing:
If you didn’t achieve the desired level of bokeh in-camera, or if you want to enhance it, use photo editing software. Tools like the blur gallery in Photoshop can help you add or refine the bokeh effect.
Bokeh: Elevating Photography to Artistic Heights
Bokeh is not just a technical feature; it's a powerful tool in the photographer's arsenal. As you delve deeper into the world of bokeh, let your creativity and personal style guide you. Remember, the true beauty of bokeh lies in its ability to transform ordinary shots into extraordinary stories. Embrace it, experiment with it, and watch as your photography ascends to new artistic heights.
