Many people ask, “What is the bokeh effect?” The bokeh effect is one of the most visually appealing effects used in photography and videography. You’ll often see this effect in portraits, product shots, or cinematic scenes where the background melts into a beautiful haze of light and color.
While traditionally created with camera lenses, modern video editing tools now let you recreate this effect digitally. This means you don’t need expensive gear to achieve the same dreamy results in your videos. So, what does bokeh mean exactly, and how is it used in creative work? Let’s break it down.
Definition
Bokeh is the quality of the blur in parts of an image that are out of focus, typically created by how a camera lens renders background areas behind the subject.
In video editing, the bokeh effect is used to add this type of background blur artificially. It enhances the visual quality of your footage by creating depth, softening distractions, and highlighting the main subject. This effect is especially striking when there are small light sources or reflections in the scene, which turn into glowing orbs or soft shapes in the background.
By applying the bokeh effect, you can guide the viewer’s attention more precisely and add a cinematic tone to your video.
Key Elements of Bokeh
Shape & Quality of Blur:
The shape of the bokeh depends on the design of the camera lens aperture. Some lenses create perfectly round blurs, while others produce more angular shapes like hexagons. These shapes determine how background highlights, such as street lights or fairy lights, appear when out of focus. In editing, similar shapes can be mimicked with overlays or filters to match the desired mood.
Bokeh is closely tied to depth of field. A shallow depth of field means that only a narrow part of the frame is in sharp focus. This makes the background appear more blurred and gives a stronger bokeh effect. In video editing, you can simulate this by applying blur selectively behind your subject to create that same separation.
Light Points & Highlights:
The bokeh effect becomes most visible when small, bright points of light are in the background. These could be holiday lights, city traffic, candles, or even sunlight filtering through leaves. When blurred, they turn into soft circles or abstract shapes that add beauty and texture to the scene. This is one of the reasons bokeh is so popular in night scenes and romantic setups.
Application Section - When and Where to Use Bokeh
The bokeh effect is not just about adding a blur. When used with purpose, it can shape the emotional tone of a video and guide the viewer’s attention. Knowing what does bokeh means in video production helps you use it more effectively in different types of content.
Let’s look at some common ways to apply the bokeh effect and what to watch out for.
How Bokeh Is Used in Video Production:
Common Applications:
Portrait Scenes:
One of the most popular uses of bokeh is in portrait or interview videos. The blurred background keeps the viewer focused on the person’s face and expressions. This technique is often seen in cinematic vlogs, personal storytelling, or character intros.
Romantic or Emotional Sequences:
Bokeh is frequently used in scenes meant to feel warm, nostalgic, or emotional. Glowing lights in the background, like candles, city lights, or holiday decorations, blur into soft orbs that enhance the mood. This is a common look in wedding videos, romantic films, and slow ballad music videos.
In product shots, especially close-ups, bokeh helps remove distractions. A blurred background gives the product a clean, professional look. It’s also a great way to make items appear more luxurious or high-end, especially when combined with lighting effects.
Examples in Popular Media:
Casey Neistat Vlogs
Casey Neistat’s vlogs show how the bokeh effect works well in portrait scenes. He often films with DSLR cameras that keep his face in focus while softly blurring the background. Lights from his studio or city streets fade into glowing shapes. This is a clear example of what bokeh means in vlogging, where clean visuals help keep the focus on expression and storytelling.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Netflix)
In romantic or emotional sequences, this Netflix film uses bokeh to create mood and intimacy. During quiet moments between characters, the background is filled with fairy lights and reflections that blur gently. These scenes capture what bokeh is in photography and video, using soft visuals to support the emotional tone without distracting from the dialogue.
Apple iPhone Ads
Apple’s product videos and commercials often feature close-up shots with smooth background blur. The bokeh effect helps isolate the product and highlight its design. This approach reflects what is bokeh effect in commercial use, giving the frame a clean and elegant look that directs attention where it matters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Overuse of Bokeh
Adding too much blur can make the background feel disconnected from the rest of the scene. This can come across as unnatural or overly processed.
How to avoid
Use bokeh intentionally, not as a way to cover weak footage. Apply the effect moderately to maintain a natural connection between subject and background.
Incorrect Focal Points
If the subject is not clearly in focus while the background is blurred, the image becomes confusing and loses its intended impact.
How to avoid
Always make sure the focus is locked on the subject before applying the effect. Use manual focus or tap-to-focus features to ensure your main subject remains sharp.
Using Bokeh Without Light Sources
The bokeh effect works best when there are small light points in the background. Applying blur to a flat or dark background with no highlights may look dull instead of dreamy.
How to avoid
To make the bokeh pop, include elements like lamps, fairy lights, or reflective surfaces in the background. These light sources will create the characteristic glowing orbs that define the bokeh effect.
Practical Demonstration - How to Use Bokeh Effect
The bokeh effect can be created digitally without a special camera lens. With video editing tools like Wondershare Filmora, you can easily add bokeh to your footage, even if it was shot with a regular phone or camera. Here’s a quick guide to applying the effect and making it look professional.
How to Use Bokeh Effect in Filmora:
Step 1
Import and Select Your Clip: Open Filmora and start a new project. Import your video file into the media library, then drag it onto the timeline. Make sure to choose a clip where the subject is clearly visible and there's some space in the background for the bokeh to stand out.
Step 2
Apply Bokeh Filter or Overlay: Open the Effects panel and search for Bokeh Blurs or Light Overlays. Filmora offers several ready-made bokeh options that you can drag and drop directly onto a new track above your video. Choose the one that matches your scene: soft circular light for romantic scenes or more energetic bursts for party clips.
Step 3
Adjust Blend and Intensity: Select the bokeh layer, then open the settings. You can change the blending mode (such as Screen or Overlay) and adjust opacity to control how strong or soft the effect appears. Use the preview window to position the bokeh where it looks best.
If your video features a person or object in the foreground, try using Filmora’s AI Portrait feature. It can detect the subject automatically and blur the background, giving you a natural-looking bokeh effect without manual masking. This is helpful for interviews, personal vlogs, or any clip with a clear subject.
Tip 2: Layer Bokeh Overlays with Motion
To make the bokeh feel more alive, you can add motion keyframes to the overlay. A slow zoom, gentle movement, or soft rotation adds realism, especially in night scenes, celebration footage, or shots with light flicker. This small detail helps the effect blend more naturally with the video’s rhythm.
Bokeh works even better when it matches the tone of your video. Try using color grading tools in Filmora to soften the scene, add warmth, or apply a LUT that fits your mood. A slight vignette can also help draw focus to the center of the frame and enhance the overall aesthetic.
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