Subtle Sparkle – Atmospheric bronze-coloured bokeh with water droplets by Marjolijn van den Berg

This macro photograph: "Subtiele Schittering - Sfeervol bronskleurige bokeh met waterdruppels" shows just how evocative small details can be. What immediately catches the eye in this warm, bronze-coloured photograph is the row of droplets in the centre. Although the entire image is almost entirely made up of round and near-round shapes, the central line of sharply focused droplets immediately draws your eye. These monochrome bronze and sepia tones give the photograph a understated, luxurious feel that fits in very well with today’s interior design trends, such as a modern or hotel-chic décor.
What is fascinating about this photograph is the interplay of focus. Only the water droplets in the central strip are perfectly in focus. This allows you to see the details of the texture and the perfectly round shapes of the liquid very clearly. Each droplet catches the light and acts as a sort of mirror, creating a subtle, lively shimmer.
Towards the foreground and background, the image fades in a smooth, gradual manner. The droplets increasingly transform into soft, blurred patches of light – a technique known in photography as ‘ "bokeh-effect" ’. This contrast between sharpness and blurriness gives the photograph a soothing sense of depth. As the image is partly abstract, it does not become tiresome quickly and does not draw all the attention away from the rest of the room. It forms a subtle focal point on the wall that looks wonderful alongside natural materials. A refined eye-catcher that comes into its own in an atmospheric living room, a peaceful bedroom or a modern office.