What is Bokeh? (It's More Than Just Blur)
DefinitionThe aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus parts of an image.
1The Simple Explanation
Bokeh is the Japanese word for 'blur'. Good bokeh is soft, smooth, and pleasing. Bad bokeh looks nervous, jagged, or distracting.
2Technical Deep Dive
Shape is determined by the aperture blades. More blades (9+) create circular highlights. Fewer blades (5-6) create polygons.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: More blur = Better Bokeh. Fact: Bokeh refers to the quality, not the quantity. You can have a lot of ugly blur.