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| Understanding the Japanese Word 'Bokeh' in Videos. |
JAKARTA - If you love photography or videography, you’ve probably heard the word “bokeh” before.
But do you know where this term comes from and what it actually means? Let’s dive into the Japanese origin of the word bokeh and how it is used in video production.
What Does “Bokeh” Mean?
The word bokeh (ボケ, pronounced BOH-keh) comes from the Japanese verb “bokeru” (ボケる), which means “to blur” or “to become hazy.” In photography and videography, bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus areas of an image or video.
It gives a smooth, dreamy background effect that makes the main subject stand out beautifully.
How Did “Bokeh” Become a Global Term?
The term bokeh became popular outside Japan in the 1990s when photo enthusiasts and professional photographers started using it to describe the pleasing blur effect in images.
It was later adopted by videographers and filmmakers to achieve a cinematic look in videos.
Bokeh in Video Production
In the world of video, bokeh is created using a shallow depth of field. This effect is commonly seen in:
- Cinematic movies to focus on the subject while blurring the background
- Interviews and vlogs to create a professional look
- Music videos for an artistic touch
To achieve beautiful bokeh in videos, filmmakers use fast lenses (with wide apertures like f/1.4 or f/2.8) and adjust their camera settings to create a soft, out-of-focus background.
Types of Bokeh: Understanding the Beauty of Background Blur
If you love photography, you've probably heard the term bokeh before.
Bokeh refers to the way a lens renders out-of-focus areas in an image, creating a beautiful blur in the background.
But did you know that not all bokeh looks the same? The quality of bokeh depends on the lens you use, and there are two main types:
1. Smooth and Creamy Bokeh
This is the type of bokeh that most photographers love! It creates a soft, dreamy background that makes your subject stand out beautifully.
High-quality lenses, especially those with wide apertures (like f/1.2, f/1.4, or f/2.8), are known for producing smooth and creamy bokeh.
The blur looks natural, with gentle transitions between light and shadow, making portraits and macro shots look stunning.
How to Achieve Smooth Bokeh:
- Use a lens with a wide aperture (like a 50mm f/1.8 or an 85mm f/1.4).
- Keep your subject far from the background.
- Shoot with a longer focal length (e.g., 85mm or 135mm) for even softer bokeh.
2. Harsh or Busy Bokeh
Not all bokeh is smooth! Some lenses create a more distracting or "busy" background blur with sharp edges and odd shapes.
This type of bokeh can make the background look chaotic rather than soft and pleasing.
Lenses with more aperture blades and certain optical designs can contribute to this effect.
Common Causes of Harsh Bokeh:
- Lenses with lower-quality optics.
- Backgrounds with strong patterns or high contrast (like tree branches or city lights).
- Smaller aperture settings (like f/5.6 or f/8) can make the blur appear less smooth.
Which Bokeh is Best?
It all depends on what you're shooting! If you want a dreamy, cinematic look, go for lenses that create smooth bokeh.
But sometimes, a little texture in the background can add character to your shot, depending on the mood you're trying to capture.
Final Thoughts
Bokeh adds depth and beauty to your photos, making your subject pop against a blurred background.
By understanding the types of bokeh, you can choose the right lens and settings to create the perfect look for your images.
Now that you know the Japanese origin of the word bokeh, you can appreciate its artistic impact in photography and videography.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, mastering bokeh can take your visuals to the next level!
Do you love bokeh effects in videos? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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