Bokeh refers to the blurring in the parts of an image that are outside the in-focus area (see: Camera Basics #19: Depth of Field.) It can give depth to an image, and is essential means of drawing attention to a subject of focus. In this article, we shall explore 4 important factors that help us to control the degree of bokeh blurring in our images.

EOS R6 Mark II + RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM @177mm, f/5, 1/1600 sec, ISO 1000

 

How to get better bokeh?

There are four factors that affect bokeh intensity (how much the background and/or foreground is blurred out)

1. Aperture
The larger the aperture (the smaller the f-number), the stronger the bokeh effect and vice versa.

2. Focal length
The longer the focal length, the stronger the bokeh effect.

3. Shooting distance
The nearer the subject, the stronger the bokeh effect.

4. Distance between subject and background
The further away the background, the stronger the bokeh effect.

In other words, to get the most obvious bokeh possible, you would need to:
- Use a telephoto lens
- Set it to maximum aperture
- Move closer to the subject until you are at the closest focusing distance, and
- Adjust the angle/subject/background so that the background and subject are as far apart as possible.

Of course, doing all of that at the same time won’t necessarily achieve the result you want. The ability to know what and how much to adjust to suit your objective is an essential photographic skill!

Let’s see the 4 factors in action.

Related concept: Depth of Field

 

1. Use a larger aperture

The examples below were shot from the same position with different apertures. Bokeh is more intense at a larger aperture (f/4), whereas at a smaller aperture (f/16), more of the leaves that surround the flower appear in focus.

 

2. Use a longer focal length

The following images were both shot from the same position at f/4, but at different focal lengths. The focus was placed on the tree in the foreground. The 105mm image has more background bokeh, and this becomes obvious when we crop the 24mm to the same field of view as the 105mm image,

 

3. Shoot closer to the subject

The examples below were shot at the same aperture (f/1.4), but from different shooting distances. When the camera is closer to the subject, the background bokeh is more intense. When the camera is further from the subject, the bokeh is less intense.

 

 

4. Increase the distance between the subject and background

The following examples were both shot at 105mm and f/4, but with different distances between the subject and the background. The bokeh is more intense when the background is further away from the subject, and less intense when it is near the subject. For the example below, we simply adjusted the camera angle slightly.

For the examples above, we simply adjusted the camera angle slightly. If the scene permits (e.g. a product or outdoor portrait shoot), you could also reposition the subject and/or background!

 

More bokeh tips

1. Consider how much context you want to show

Bokeh focuses our attention on a subject by simplifying potentially distracting elements in the scene. But sometimes, contextual details tell a story and you lose an opportunity if you get too bokeh-happy and blur them into obscurity! Keep an open mind for possibilities, and have a clear intent when you adjust the bokeh intensity.

2. Don’t forget about foreground bokeh!

EOS R8 + RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 100mm/ Aperture-priority AE (f/5, 1/1000 sec)/ ISO 100

Blurred-out foreground elements can be used to elevate your image in different ways.  You can use them to add a pop of colour or visual interest without distracting from the main subjects. In the above image, they’ve given the scene extra depth.

More examples and details in:
Easy Pretty Portraits: 3 Quick & Convenient Camera Techniques
How Do I Effectively Use Foreground Bokeh on a Telephoto Lens?

It’s relatively easier to create foreground bokeh—you can do it even at narrow apertures. Simply shoot so close to the foreground object that the lens cannot focus on it. But just like background bokeh, foreground bokeh gets blurrier at longer focal lengths, when the foreground is further from the main subject, and at smaller f-number settings.

 

 

The bokeh effect can help you achieve photos like this!

EOS R6 Mark II/ RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS STM/ FL: 200mm/ Flexible-priority AE (f/11, 1/200 sec, ISO 400)

Shooting close-ups with a long focal length creates bokeh even at narrow apertures

The background in this image is so blurred, you might be surprised to learn it was shot at f/11! When shooting close-ups, we usually want to use a smaller aperture (higher f-stop) to ensure the subject is properly in focus. But since at least two of the other factors for bokeh are present, we still get beautiful background bokeh.

More bokeh inspiration in:
Built-in Flash Techniques #6: Magical Bokeh Circles on a Rainy Day
4 Easy Steps to Capture Those Elusive Bokeh Circles!
How to Create a Sparkly Background with Bokeh Circles for Pretty Trinket Pictures
How to Photograph Dreamy Images of Decorative Lights