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Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about bokeh and its history

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There’s so much we can argue about when we talk about bokeh: whether we like it or not, when and how should it be used, what’s “good” and what’s “bad” bokeh… In fact, different people even pronounce it differently. Still, it’s a fact that bokeh has become an integral part of photography talk and photography itself.

But how did we get there? What exactly is bokeh, when did it become a part of photography and how did it become so important? In this fantastic video, Simon of Simon’s utak guides you through the history of bokeh and everything you’ve ever wanted to know about it.

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Bokeh or Nokeh – What Is Your Preference (and Does It Really Matter)?

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So I’m down at the dock at the cottage and I decided that I wanted to snap a photo of my coffee to post a fairly typical, quick and easy Instagram banger.

Since the purpose of this photo was straight to social, I arranged the composition and then pulled out my phone to snap the picture (because why would a manufacturer build a camera with Android to be able to do this on an actual camera…).

After snapping the photo, I decided that it actually looked pretty decent – nice enough that I had to run back up to the cottage to grab my DSLR with an 85mm f/1.4…because, well, you know…bokeh.

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8 easy and effective DIY photography hacks using cardboard

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Cardboard is such a wonderfully versatile product.  You can use it for all sorts of photography related things. Most of my cameras have arrived in boxes made from the stuff. But what can you do with it instead of throwing it away or leaving it to gather dust in the attic?

Well, here’s the folks from COOPH with 8 ways you can utilise cardboard with your photography. These are simple tips and tricks that can have a great effect. Most of us already have cardboard laying somewhere around the home, so there’s no cost, either.

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Oprema Jena revives Biotar 58mm f/2.0 lens with 17 aperture blades

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After successfully funding a Kickstarter campaign for the resurrection of Biotar 75mm f/1.5, Oprema Jena is bringing back its “little brother,” Biotar 58mm f/2.0. The lens features unique bokeh, and it’s very sharp even at wide aperture. However, one of its most interesting features is certainly the record number of 17 aperture blades.

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Lensbaby release new Sweet 80 lens and new Creative Bokeh Optic

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In the past, I’ve not really been big on the whole Lensbaby thing. But, having now tried a few of them in person, I can safely say they’re winning me over. The “Sweet” range of lenses I particularly like for their aesthetic, especially when paired up with a Composer. Now lensbaby have launched a new Sweet 80 lens for the Composer II that looks fantastic.

Also announced today is the new Creative Bokeh Optic. A simple 50mm single element design that allows you to to get some pretty cool bokeh effects. It works with the Composer series, or legacy Muse, Control Freak or Scout lens bodies.

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