Aperture is the core control. A wider lens opening, represented by a smaller f-number (like f/1.8 or f/2.8), creates a shallower depth of field. This limits sharp focus to a narrow plane, rapidly blurring everything else. To maximize bokeh, always shoot as 'wide open' as your lens allows.

The best results come from fast prime lenses (f/1.8, f/1.4) and longer focal lengths (85mm or 135mm), which naturally amplify background compression and blur. Critically, maximize the physical distance between your subject and the background. The greater this distance, the creamier and more pronounced the bokeh will be.

Those beautiful, circular out-of-focus highlights, or bokeh balls, are created from small, bright light sources (streetlights, sun through leaves). To capture them:

• Set your aperture to its widest setting (lowest f-number).
• Place the background far behind the subject.
• Actively look for specular highlights in the scene. The number of rounded aperture blades on your lens will define the balls’ smoothness.

By using a wide aperture, the right lens choice, and managing distance, you can consistently capture photographs with breathtaking background blur.