Bokeh
ArtisticThe aesthetic quality of the blur produced in out-of-focus parts of an image.
Detailed Explanation
Bokeh, derived from the Japanese word for "blur," refers to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image. Good bokeh is characterized by smooth, creamy backgrounds with pleasing, circular light spots. It's particularly noticeable in the way a lens renders point light sources in out-of-focus areas. The quality of bokeh is influenced by lens design, particularly the shape and number of aperture blades. Prime lenses with wide maximum apertures (like f/1.4 or f/1.8) are often praised for their bokeh characteristics.