Header photo: Image by photographer L I F E L I K E

Bokeh comes from the Japanese word boke, which means "blur" or "haze", or boke-aji, the "blur quality". 

It is one of the most popular photographic techniques and is the effect of soft out-of-focus background blur rendered by a camera lens in an image. 

To achieve (pleasing) bokeh in your photographs, you'll need:

  • A fast lens (an f/2.8 aperture at least, though ideally faster apertures of f/2, f/1.8 or f/1.4)
  • Lower shutter speeds (to allow more light and blur into your image)
  • Increased distance between the subject and the background
  • A strong subject 

Browse through this collection of PurplePort images and get inspired to play around with bokeh in your photoshoots.

Are you looking for more inspiring images? Use our Image Search feature and see what you can find! 

#1


Image by photographer Munir Werner


#2


The scents & smogs & pollens of existence by model ♥ Chiara Elisabetta


#3


Portraiture by model Lily Gilbert


#4


They know how to put on a good display by photographer AlexWong


#5


Porscha by photographer J Black Photographic


#6


Image by photographer Anthony Robert


#7


Gotcha!!!! (Finally :') ) by photoshop wizard Ant Edits


#8


Golden glow by tutor Tiga di Bali


#9


girl about town by model PaigeAntonia


#10


Elephant Hawk Moth on a foxglove by photographer Nicholl


#11


Image by photographer Obie Dean


#12


Bokeh Goddess by photographer Rob Ronaldson (Aestheticnude)


#13


Funfair Omni Filter by photographer Khandie Photography


#14


product photography by studio MAAN Studios


#15


Street portrait of Claire Rammelkamp by photographer KennethN


#16


Little Olly by photographer WhatTheEyesSeeTheMindBelieves


#17


Image by photographer mikedphotography


#18


Michael by photographer Grewy


#19


Autumn invites me to remember... by model Rebecca Tun


#20


The beautiful Hummingbird by studio Inspire Studios Ltd


#21


The Coffee Shop by photographer Richard Winn


#22


All The 'Pridy' Lights by photographer Steve Flack


#23


IKA Academy Mexico Trip - Heber Moran by model Adira


#24


Anita by photographer dirk glassly


#25


Bright Lights Big City by model PaigeAntonia


#26


What Catches Your Eye? by photographer Shots by Dan


#27


Exhale.. by model Silk


#28


I Can See a Rainbow by photographer Helen Bissell Bland


#29


Common Blue on Red Ragged Robin by photographer Nicholl


#30


A little party never killed nobody by model Everly Rose


#31


Collared inca by photographer RobertC


What is PurplePort

PurplePort is a modelling website that brings models, photographers and other creatives together with one fantastic service. We provide the tools and help you need to get together and create amazing photos.

Established in 2010, PurplePort has grown from strength to strength and now has 40,000+ active members worldwide. With features such as integrated messaging, calendar, shoot plans, image albums, references, credited photos, busy member forums, hundreds of articles, and dedicated full-time staff to help you, it's easy finding the perfect creatives you need for your next photography project. It's a fresh, fast, and feature-rich alternative to ModelMayhem.

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