You know a professional image when you see it. There’s just something about it, right? For the average viewer, you can sense that an image looks high quality, but you might not be able to determine exactly what makes it top-tier. Well, that special something is actually a technique well-known to photographers! As a Denver commercial photographer with 12+ years of experience, let me explain to you the magic of bokeh. 

What Is Bokeh, Anyway?

Bokeh comes from the Japanese word for blur. In photography, bokeh is that really nice blur effect on the background of a photo. It can be achieved by a fast lens: (usually) an aperture of F/2.8 or less. We can also get a bokeh effect by increasing the distance between you and the background. 

Bokeh looks best in portrait work, but is used for other close-up images or times when you want that glowy, dreamy look from the background. 

How Bokeh Gives You A Professional Image

Bokeh makes an image look professional in a few different ways. First, it’s HARD to achieve a bokeh background. Filters or image editing really try to achieve the same effect, but hardly ever come close. 

Consistent bokeh takes the skill of a trained photographer! So, when your photos are posted, we can tell that you paid for it. 

Drawing Your Eye To The Right Place

More than just the technique, a photo with a bokeh background immediately draws the viewer’s eye to the detail and focus of the subject.  

The contrast of a floaty-looking, light background against sharp features in the foreground is overall super lovely and pleasing to the eye. That’s why it’s so popular for professional images!

Professional Image Backgrounds With Bokeh

If you want your background to shine–but not take the spotlight–you’ve gotta pick it right! Leafy trees and string lights can create some amazing bokeh! Gardens with some backlighting will also do the job.

Never fear, though: a good photographer can get your image looking right no matter where you are.  

Do I have your interest piqued? Bokeh is only one part of the science that is photography. Lighting, composition, camera technique, and good ol’ fashioned charisma also play their parts in making sure you look incredible for your photos. 

Are you ready to get that perfect professional image? Let’s set up a session to really show YOU off! Click here for more information.