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Bokeh Vs DOF - The Difference Between Bokeh and Depth of Field
Bokeh Vs DOF - The Difference Between Bokeh and Depth of Field
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Bokeh and depth of field, both the techniques help the photographers in creating beautiful photographs. In the
approach of photographing at lower f-numbers, the distinction between depth of field and bokeh vanishes and
the hobbyists and enthusiasts often end up using the terms bokeh and DOF interchangeably. To photograph the
aesthetics of the subject and the background, one should be clear about what DOF and bokeh stand for. To
effectively use the two techniques, let’s have a quick view at depth of field, bokeh and the differences between
the two.
www.advancedphotography.net/bokeh-dof-difference-bokeh-depth-field/ 1/7
28/06/12 Bokeh Vs DOF — The Difference Between Bokeh And Depth Of Field
Branch A Blossoms
A high depth of field is the scenario where everything in the plane of focus is in sharp focus. The shallow depth of
field on the other hand is the technique of focusing only a small portion of the plane of focus resulting in effectively
focused subject amidst defocused background and foreground. The shallow depth of field helps in profoundly
separating the subject by beautifully blurring the background clutter.
What Is Bokeh
Bokeh is the aesthetic quality of blur in out of focus areas of the image. Bokeh is the terminology used for
defining the quality of blur achieved at shallow depth of field. Bokeh thus refers to the quality of blurred imagery
rendered by the lens for out-of-focus points of light.
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28/06/12 Bokeh Vs DOF — The Difference Between Bokeh And Depth Of Field
The bokeh refers to the circular discs formed as the result of blurring the background. The pronounced bokeh
effect is created when the camera is tuned for shallow depth of field. The effective brightness in the background
of the subject renders beautiful imagery to the out-of-focus areas, thus, resulting in smooth, soft circular discs in
the background.
Thus we can say that bokeh is dependent on depth of field but depth of field is in no way dependent on the
bokeh. The bokeh and the depth of field are two different techniques used for specific purposes. The sole
purpose of depth of field is to represent the area of sharp focus in the photograph, whereas bokeh is artistic
quality of out-of-focus area. The two techniques (shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh effect) when used
together produce stunningly beautiful and creative results.
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28/06/12 Bokeh Vs DOF — The Difference Between Bokeh And Depth Of Field
Opulence
Additional Resources
Watch out the following articles (and discussion forums), for comprehensive difference between depth of field
and bokeh.
1. What Is Bokeh?
2. Depth Of Field And Bokeh
3. Flickr Discussion: Bokeh Vs DOF
You can also check out Wikipedia articles on depth of field and bokeh.
Have a look at the awesome examples showcasing the bokeh effect and beautiful examples demonstrating the
DOF effect.
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