Bokeh in Photography

How do you achieve the blurry background?

Use a larger aperture of say not more than 2.8(The smaller the number the larger the aperture).The larger the aperture the sharper the image and the shallow the depth of film hence the blurry the background.An aperture is the camera opening that allows in light to the shutter, usually calibrated with numbers on the camera screen and on lens.The type of lens you're using really determines the kind of aperture you're to use.

Telephotos (zoom lenses) have a larger aperture hence give a very good bokeh.Same to prime lenses(Those with fixed focal length) say 35mm,50mm,85mm or 100mm.

Why use a bokeh?

Mostly used to eliminate foreign materials from the target subject and achieve a sharper focus.Majorly practiced in sports photography,portraits and wildlife.

Below are photographs taken at an aperture of 1.8 on a 50mm lens.