Bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph. It is often characterized by the way light is rendered in these blurred regions, creating a visually pleasing effect. The shape and softness of the bokeh can vary depending on the lens used and the aperture setting, influencing how the background appears in relation to the subject. Photographers often use bokeh to draw attention to the main subject by softening distracting elements in the background. This technique is particularly popular in portrait and macro photography, where isolating the subject enhances the overall composition and visual impact of the image.