Bokeh — the beautiful, out-of-focus blurry background seen in professional DSLR portrait and product photography — is one of the most sought-after effects in photography. Expensive camera lenses with wide apertures create bokeh naturally, but you can achieve a convincing bokeh effect on any photo using free online tools at imgresizr.com.
What Is Bokeh?
Bokeh (from the Japanese word for blur) refers to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas of an image. In professional photography, it is created by using a wide aperture (low f-number like f/1.4 or f/1.8) which gives a very shallow depth of field. The subject is sharp while the background dissolves into smooth, creamy blur. Smartphone cameras increasingly simulate this effect, and you can apply it after shooting with photo editing tools.
How to Add Bokeh at imgresizr.com
Upload your photo to imgresizr.com. Use the Background Blur or Bokeh Effect tool. Select the strength of blur you want — a moderate setting (30–50%) gives a natural bokeh look, while a strong setting (70–100%) creates a heavy, dramatic blur suitable for product photography. The tool automatically detects the foreground subject and applies the blur only to the background. For portrait photos, a medium blur that retains some background context usually looks most natural. For product shots on a white background, maximum blur is appropriate. Download as JPG when satisfied.
Bokeh Intensity Guide
| Intensity | Result | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Light (20–30%) | Subtle, gentle separation | Outdoor portraits |
| Medium (40–60%) | Clear subject/background separation | Headshots, profile photos |
| Heavy (70–100%) | Strong, creamy blur | Product shots, studio portraits |
Bokeh Tips
- Works best on photos where the subject is clearly separated from the background
- Too much blur on complex backgrounds can look artificial — test with a moderate setting first
- Portraits benefit most from background blur — it draws attention to the face
- Product photos look most professional with heavy bokeh on plain backgrounds
Add a bokeh background blur effect to your photos for free at imgresizr.com.