Are photographers the only ones that get Bokeh?

7 years 1 month ago #518117 by James F
Have you ever noticed that photographers are the only ones that will appreciate a nice buttery blurred out background.  Something that could only come from a f/1.4 lens.  

Then you have everyone else.   And all they see is a blurry photo.  

So has Bokeh become overrated in the real world?  


Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #518120 by ThatNikonGuy
Well it's no different than post processing.  When you aren't involved in every step, you can't appreciate what went into that finished photo to make that possible.  


Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #518167 by Rawley Photos
LOL did you know what the word "Bokeh" meant before picking up a camera?

I didn't

Blurry photos, were blurry backgrounds to me as well.  So not in a bad way, yeah I think you are right. 


Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #518188 by effron
Blur and bokeh are two different things. Overrated?.....no.

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #518211 by KCook
I don't get Bokeh.  So I guess that means I'm not a real photographer
:kmonst:

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

,
7 years 1 month ago #518289 by CanonKid
Honestly, prior to getting involved into photography, I never heard of Bokeh.  It was even some time after that I got an understanding of it.  

Canon 7D, 15-85mm, 18-55mm, 70-200mm, 100mm Macro, Sigma 120-300mm, Speedlite 430EX II

A bad day at the race track is better than a good day in the office

Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #518307 by Didereaux

James F wrote: Have you ever noticed that photographers are the only ones that will appreciate a nice buttery blurred out background.  Something that could only come from a f/1.4 lens.  

Then you have everyone else.   And all they see is a blurry photo.  

So has Bokeh become overrated in the real world?  


What is over-rated is societies over use of certain terms because it is the 'in' thing to do'   Remember Umami?  The Japanese word for a certain quality of cooked food.   Totally useless term outside of Japanese language.  

Thousands of these things over the centuries in the English language.   Bokeh is a term for a smooth blurred background in a photo....nothing more.   Do real artists care?  No, it is a trite affectation foisted upon them by the smelly hordes declaring themselves art aficionados

Blurred is blurred,  coarsely blurred and smoothly blurred define more accurately a quality in blurriness than the word Bokeh (some call it Bow  keh, some call it it boo kay...most call it BS)


Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #518317 by Joves
I think photographers are the only ones who care about it. Everyone else just sees it as a blurry part of the photo if it is a bad blur, if it is correct then they only notice the subject.


,
7 years 1 month ago #518448 by Richard K Photography
And that is such a true statement.  Others see it as blurred background.  Photographers are going to grade that 'blur'.  


Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #518507 by Luca
LOL I barely pay much attention to it now myself!  


Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #518586 by Marin Chi
I guess you only pay attention to it if you focus on the blurred back grounds.  If you don't photograph on regular basis, you wouldn't know this.  Unless a friend had taught you well. 


Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #518717 by Scott Klubeck
That's the gospel right there! 


Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #518986 by rogdel
Honestly has never really crossed my mind. I like bokeh, but couldn't give a rat's rear end as to what anyone else thinks (photographer or not)


Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024