Digital Photography Tutorial: Isolate With Bokeh
In this digital photography course, I will discuss the method of separating the subject of your image with the focus technique of bokeh. Bokeh is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the aesthetics of blur. The technique utilizes the depth of field in order to define an object against a background that is not in the frame. The subject is brought into clear focus, which emphasizes the subject and hints at a sense that the subject is in a particular location without revealing any specifics.
I usually employ this method when photographing outdoors, in particular when I wish to focus on a particular plant or flower in an otherwise chaotic setting. Since I want to see this subject in the central part of the image, I employ any approach available for capturing what is important about the object.
Using Macro Rings
One method is to increase the position of the lens in relation to the medium used for image capture by using extension tubes. The result of extending the lens’s distance to the film is to completely isolate the subject from unnaturally blurred backgrounds while expanding the subject to reveal the hidden details. I find that using extensions tubes and a longer lens is ideal for picking subtle details inside flowers as well as when taking photos of insects (when they are willing to sit in a still position for your photograph) as well as other subjects in which the exploded and expanded detail creates an impact in the image that would be otherwise not visible.
If you’re using macro rings, tripods are a must necessity. The lens’s front is placed near your subject. Also, the ability to hold the camera, focus, and shoot are almost impossible. The steadiness of the tripod lets you accomplish everything needed for a stunning compelling, and engaging photo.
Utilizing Depth of Field
Most often, in the field, I use the 28 to 105mm f2.8 lens. When I decide to isolate an object, I can fully open the lens and select the longest focal length. I pick a spot close to the subject, but I don’t have to be as close to the subject to keep away any insects that could be eating the flower. I concentrate on the subject and let the background fade away into a blurry mix of mixed colors and a graphic result. The camera should be mounted on a tripod as another way to ensure a steady hand.
The distinction between the wide-angle lens of the long lens or the extended tubes lies in one of the magnification levels. The longer lens’s subjects appear more organic and less magnified, in the sense that you can call it. In terms of separation and the purpose behind Bokeh is that there isn’t any discernible distinction.
Concerning impact, extension tubes or longer lens options are an intriguing way of giving your viewers the sensation that is a complete separation of the subject that, in reality, mirrors what the human eye perceives when we look at things that are close in front of our vision. I sincerely hope that you enjoy this tutorial for digital photography on the bokeh effect.
