Why Your “Bokehlicious” PhotographY is Irrelevant and What Really Makes a Good Photograph
Photography is as much an art form as it is a technical skill, and while the term bokehlicious might make some photographers swoon with excitement, Sorry Kai Wong <3, it’s crucial to understand why relying on this effect alone doesn’t necessarily make your photographs good. Sure, a background with smooth, dreamy bokeh at f/1.2 or f/1.4 may look aesthetically pleasing, but does your photograph evoke emotion or tell a story? That’s the real question.
In this article, we’ll explore why your obsession with creating blurred backgrounds might be holding you back, and how you can elevate your photography by focusing on what really matters—context, meaning, and purpose.
What Is Bokeh and Why Do Photographers Love It?
Bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus parts of an image, especially those found in the background. Achieved by using wide apertures like f/1.2 or f/1.4, bokeh adds a sense of depth and visual separation between the subject and the background. It creates a dreamy, almost otherworldly effect that many photographers are drawn to.
But is it enough to make your photograph truly good?
The short answer: No, not by itself.
Bokehlicious: A Double-Edged Sword
There’s nothing wrong with having beautiful bokeh—swirly, creamy, or whatever flavor suits your fancy. It’s a technique, and like any technique, it has its place. The problem arises when photographers believe that a shallow depth of field automatically equates to a successful photograph.
Consider this: Just because an image is shot at f/1.2 or f/1.4, and the background is reduced to a blur, doesn’t mean the image is meaningful or compelling. In fact, focusing on bokeh to the exclusion of everything else can make a photo feel empty—devoid of story, context, or emotional resonance.
It’s like adding sugar to a dish. Sure, it makes it sweeter, but does it make the dish better? Not necessarily.
The Trap of Technically Perfect but Emotionally Flat Photography
Many photographers fall into the trap of chasing technical perfection. The smoothness of the bokeh, the sharpness of the subject, the clarity of the lens—all these elements are indeed important. But photography is not just about technicalities; it’s about storytelling, emotion, and meaning.
Imagine a portrait where the subject is tack-sharp, and the background melts into a creamy blur. The light is perfect, the composition is solid, but what does the image say? Does it evoke any feeling, tell a story, or offer insight into the subject’s world?
If not, then it’s merely an exercise in technique—a nice image, but not a good one.
What Makes a Photograph Good?
To understand what makes a photograph good, we have to move beyond surface-level aesthetics and delve into deeper considerations like context, storytelling, and emotion.
A good photograph should:
Tell a story: What is the image trying to communicate? Does it provoke curiosity, joy, sadness, or wonder?
Evoke emotion: The best photographs make the viewer feel something, whether it’s a connection to the subject or an emotional response to the scene.
Have meaning: What is the purpose of the photograph? Why was it taken? What message does it convey?
Provide context: Background elements, even when blurred, should contribute to the overall message or feeling of the image.
The Importance of Context in Photography
Context is everything. A photograph without context is like a story without a setting—disconnected and incomplete. While background blur can isolate a subject and remove distractions, it shouldn’t eliminate the background’s contribution to the narrative.
Take for example a street photograph. The focus might be on a single person, but the context—the street, the surrounding buildings, the hustle and bustle of everyday life—gives the photograph meaning. Even if the background is blurred, it should still offer clues about the environment and enhance the story.
In some of my own work, I’ve captured images where the background is sharp, and the subject is not. Sounds counterintuitive, right? But these images work because the background provides context. The scene as a whole, rather than just the subject, tells the story.
The Subject Is Not Always King
There’s a tendency in photography to over-prioritize the subject while neglecting the surroundings. This is especially common in portraits where photographers go to great lengths to blur the background, aiming to “separate” the subject. But separation isn’t always synonymous with impact.
Sometimes the subject itself isn’t the most important part of the image. Sometimes it’s the relationship between the subject and the background that creates the emotional depth. An image of a person alone in a crowded place, where both the subject and the scene are equally important, might resonate more deeply with viewers than an isolated portrait with perfect bokeh.
In short, bokeh can be nice, but context and meaning are what make a photograph great.
Why You’re Missing the Point With Bokeh-Obsession
If your primary goal as a photographer is to create beautiful bokeh, you may be missing the bigger picture. Photography is about connection and communication. It’s about capturing moments that resonate with people, not just impressing them with your lens’s ability to blur backgrounds.
Here’s a truth many photographers overlook: A technically imperfect photograph can still be powerful if it tells a compelling story or evokes emotion. Conversely, a technically perfect image with beautiful bokeh can fall flat if it lacks heart and meaning.
How to Apply Techniques Meaningfully
It’s not that bokeh is bad; it’s that it should be used purposefully. Every decision you make in photography—whether it’s the aperture, composition, or lighting—should serve the greater goal of telling a story or conveying a mood.
Here are a few tips for using bokeh meaningfully:
Ask yourself why: Before shooting wide open, ask yourself why you’re choosing to blur the background. Does it enhance the story or remove important context?
Balance is key: Use bokeh in a way that complements the subject and background rather than overwhelming them.
Consider context: Even if you’re blurring the background, make sure it still provides context. The viewer should be able to infer something about the scene from the parts that remain in focus.
Final Thoughts on the Bokeh Debate
In conclusion, while bokehlicious photography can produce beautiful images, it’s not a magic formula for creating good photographs. A good photograph requires more than just technical proficiency; it needs context, emotion, and meaning.
If you can provide context in your images, you’re already halfway to creating purposeful photographs that resonate with viewers. So, the next time you’re tempted to open up your lens to f/1.2 or f/1.4 and blur the background to oblivion, take a step back. Consider what you want the photograph to say. If bokeh helps convey that message, then use it. If it doesn’t, then maybe it’s time to reconsider your approach.
FAQs
Is bokeh necessary for a good photograph?
No, bokeh is not necessary for a good photograph. A good photograph depends on its ability to tell a story, evoke emotion, and provide context.
Does shooting at f/1.2 or f/1.4 guarantee a better image?
Not necessarily. While these apertures create a shallow depth of field, they don’t guarantee a more compelling or meaningful image.
Can a photograph be meaningful without bokeh?
Absolutely. Many meaningful photographs have sharp backgrounds that contribute to the overall context and narrative.
What’s the key to using bokeh effectively?
The key is purpose. Bokeh should be used to enhance the story, mood, or feeling of the photograph, not just for the sake of creating a blur.
Can background context improve an image even if the subject is out of focus?
Yes, sometimes the background context is more important than the subject. A well-composed background can provide vital information about the scene.
How can I create photographs that resonate emotionally with viewers?
Focus on telling a story and providing context. Emotionally resonant photographs connect with the viewer through a combination of subject, background, and meaning.