30 Mesmerizing Bokeh Photos That Capture Magic in Light and Color

By 121clicks
August 31, 2025

Photography has the power to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary works of art, and bokeh is one of the most enchanting techniques that allows this transformation. The collection of 30 mesmerizing bokeh photos highlights how light, depth, and color can come together to create dreamlike imagery. Derived from the Japanese word “boke,” meaning blur, bokeh refers to the soft, out-of-focus areas in a photograph that bring a sense of magic and wonder to even the simplest subjects.

Photo Credit: Jaime

In these photos, everyday scenes—streetlights glowing at night, raindrops glistening on windows, or flowers illuminated by sunlight—are turned into artistic compositions. The blurred backgrounds draw attention to the subject while creating a halo of light and color that feels almost painterly. Whether it’s the sparkle of festive lights or the soft glow of nature at dusk, bokeh transforms the background into an atmosphere of emotion.

Colors play an essential role in enhancing the effect. Vibrant reds, calming blues, golden yellows, and gentle pastels blend into circular orbs of light, giving each photo a surreal quality. Depth of field is carefully controlled, allowing photographers to isolate their subjects while turning light into visual poetry.

What makes bokeh truly magical is its ability to add mood and storytelling. A simple flower framed with glowing light or a solitary figure walking through blurred city streets becomes more than just a photo—it becomes an experience.

These 30 photos remind us that photography isn’t only about sharpness and clarity. Sometimes, the beauty lies in softness, mystery, and the way light dances with color. Bokeh captures not just what we see, but how we feel, inviting us to pause and appreciate the art of blur.

Scroll down and inspire yourself. All photos are linked and lead to the sources from which they were taken. Please feel free to explore further works of these photographers on their collections or their personal sites.

#1

Photo Credit: Sonya Khegay

#2

Photo Credit: Danielle Pearce

#3

Photo Credit: Thuyhn

Use a Wide Aperture for Dreamy Backgrounds

The key to creating beautiful bokeh lies in using a wide aperture setting on your camera. Apertures like f/1.4, f/1.8, or f/2.8 allow you to achieve a shallow depth of field, which blurs the background and turns points of light into soft, glowing orbs. The wider the aperture, the more pronounced the effect becomes.

Pairing this with a subject placed at the right distance ensures that the background blur is smooth and pleasing, while the subject remains sharp. Lenses with longer focal lengths also enhance bokeh, compressing the background and making lights appear larger and softer. By mastering aperture control, you transform everyday lights—street lamps, candles, or even reflections—into a mesmerizing backdrop of color and depth.

#4

Photo Credit: Jackie Rueda

#5

Photo Credit: Brian Wolfe

#6

Photo Credit: Sayid Budhi

#7

Photo Credit: Victoria J Baxter

#8

Photo Credit: Mahesh B

#9

Photo Credit: Kelven Ng

Experiment with Light Sources

Bokeh thrives when there are small, distinct light sources in the background. Festive string lights, car headlights on city streets, or sunlight filtering through tree leaves can create magical glowing circles. The trick is to position your subject so that these light sources fall behind it, allowing them to blur into soft orbs.

Different types of lights also produce varying moods—warm tungsten bulbs give a golden, cozy glow, while cool LEDs create a modern, vibrant effect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with reflections on water, raindrops on windows, or even metallic surfaces, as they scatter light beautifully into bokeh. By using creative light sources, you can bring both atmosphere and emotion into your photographs, making each shot uniquely enchanting.

#10

Photo Credit: Moaan

#11

Photo Credit: Jaime

#12

Photo Credit: Setsuna

#13

Photo Credit: Nhan Ngo

#14

Photo Credit: Puja Parakh

#15

Photo Credit: Faisal Al-Ali

Play with Colors for Emotional Impact

Bokeh isn’t just about blur—it’s also about how color interacts with light. Vibrant hues can bring energy to your photos, while softer pastel tones evoke calm and serenity. Positioning colorful lights in your background allows you to create different moods: red for passion, blue for tranquility, or gold for warmth. Combining multiple colors in a single frame can give your bokeh photos a painterly quality, where light becomes brushstrokes of emotion.

Flowers, cityscapes, and seasonal decorations often provide natural sources of color. Adjusting your white balance can further enhance tones, making them more vivid or subtle depending on the desired atmosphere. Remember, the color palette is just as important as the blur itself—it’s what makes your bokeh photos visually striking and emotionally engaging.

#16

Photo Credit: Aleksandr Matveev

#17

Photo Credit: Bethan Phillips

#18

Photo Credit: Rune Myreng

#19

Photo Credit: Agata

#20

Photo Credit: Roeli Til

Control Depth and Distance

The relationship between your subject, background, and camera distance plays a huge role in shaping bokeh. Place your subject closer to the lens while ensuring there is significant space between them and the background. The farther away the background lights are, the larger and softer the bokeh orbs will appear. Moving slightly can completely change the effect, so experiment with angles and distances until you find the perfect balance.

Using a prime lens with a long focal length, such as 85mm or 135mm, can magnify the effect, compressing distance and making the blur even creamier. This technique ensures your subject stands out sharply against a glowing, dreamy background. Depth control isn’t just technical—it’s the secret to creating photos that feel magical and cinematic.

#21

Photo Credit: Hélène Baudart

#22

Photo Credit: Colin R Leech

#23

Photo Credit: Eric Brocard

#24

Photo Credit: Slavina Bahchevanova

#25

Photo Credit: Greg Pths

Get Creative with Shapes and Foregrounds

Bokeh doesn’t have to be limited to circles. By placing shaped cutouts (like hearts, stars, or geometric patterns) in front of your lens, you can transform background lights into playful and artistic forms. This DIY technique adds a unique twist and makes your images stand out. Foregrounds also play a role—shooting through objects like flowers, glass, or even raindrops can add extra layers of depth and texture to your bokeh photos.

These elements create a sense of mystery and dimension, enhancing the dreamy quality of the blur. Creativity is key—experiment with framing, props, and environments to push beyond traditional techniques. By blending artistry with technical skill, you can capture bokeh photos that are not only visually mesmerizing but also full of personality and imagination.