Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/07/11

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Subject: [Leica] Bokeh'm somebody
From: "Rodgers, David" <david.rodgers@xo.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 17:33:25 -0500

> I should probably answer, since I take modest credit for having helped
> introduce the word to photographers in the West. The word means
"blur."...<snip>


Why don't we just call it blur? Fewer letter and most English speaking
persons understand exactly what it means. Plus, we learn how to pronounce it
in grammar school. 

Giving the blurred area of a photograph a fancier title doesn't make it more
important. The out of focus portions of my images are that way so they don't
distract from what IS important.   

Next thing you know Photoshop will come up with a Gaussian Bokeh tool. It'll
do exactly the same thing as the Gaussian Blur tool. They'll charge more for
the program and people will write books on how to use the Gaussian Bokeh
more effectively. 

I can already hear the ad campaing...

"Is it bokeh or is it Photoshop? Don't look at what sharp and crisp and well
defined. Attain that which master photographers have lusted after since film
was invented; controlled fuzzyness. Accutance is an illusion. Focus on the
out of focus. Make an impression. Become an impressionist! Do the hokey
bokey. Bokeh'm somebody". 

My head already feels fuzzy.  

Dave