 Odeth Mizuno |
How to blur background? How would I blur the background of my image to make my subject "pop"? I tried to shoot in macro mode when I took photos of flowers but the background is still very visible. I can't adjust manually the aperture of my camera. I know Photoshop helps but it takes too much time using the blur tool. It's very taxing to do it manually. I just want to know if there's a technique and faster way to do it.
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Alan N. Marcus |
Hi Odeth, To cause the background to be fuzzy you must somehow cause it to be out-of-focus. This falls under the category of depth-of-field. What you are seeking is a method to force the depth-of-field to become shallow. This is somewhat easy if you can select the f/number the camera will use. Large openings like f/2.8 or f/4 or f/5.6 are the values you want. Causing the camera to select a large aperture is problematic if you are using a camera that denies manual setting. That being said, let’s explore how you might achieve your goal. First read your camera manuals. Most likely your camera features a menu that allows setting to one of the various assist modes. You can for example set the camera in “Portrait Mode”. This mode forces the camera into using a large aperture as portraits are enhanced by throwing the background out of focus. Also, you can procure a neutral density filter value 4x. Such a filter blocks two f/stops of light (each stop is a 2x value). If no filter is available for your camera, you can get a neutral density gel filter. These come in 2 inch and 4 inch square sizes. You can hold one in front of the lens or tape it in place. Kodak Wratten ND value 0.60 = two f/stops reduction. Kodak Wratten ND value 0.90 = 3 f/stops reduction. Maybe your best bet would be to procure a polarizing filter. This filter reduces reflections and is a valuable tool to keep in your gadget bag. It is neutral gray in color and acts just like a 4x neutral density value 0.60. When mounted, these filters reduce the amount of light entering the camera. The exposure sensor sees this reduction and causes the camera to compensate. Likely the compensation will be in the form of opening up the aperture two f/stops. Focusing just in front of the subject is also an effective way to do what you want. You compose with the camera placed a little closer to your subject. You partiality depress the shutter release. This action locks the focus. With pressure still applied, you back off and then complete the shutter stroke. Lots of luck,
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Odeth Mizuno |
Hello Alan, Thank you very much for your very detailed explanation. These are good eye opening for me. I would definitely try your suggestions. Thank you for sharing your expertise and immediate reply. Its highly appreciated. Have a nice day! Odeth
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John P. Sandstedt |
A very fast wy involves "selecting" the flowers using one of the selction tools [magic lasso, magic extractor, etc. Once the marching ants are doing their thing around the flower[s,] go to the Menu Bar and click on Select > Inverse. This chances the selection to "everything else." Now go to the Menu Bar and Click Filter > Blur. You'll need to choose how much blur you want. Click OK and your background should be blurred, you subject [the flowers] should pop out nice and sharp.
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Christopher A. Vedros |
If you can't adjust the aperture on your camera, try using the Portrait Mode like Alan suggested. Also, back up some and zoom in on the flower. This will also help to shorten your depth-of-field. Third, try to arrange things so that the background is as far away from the subject flower as possible. This will move the background out of the range of focus around the flower, causing it to be blurred. Good luck,
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Odeth Mizuno |
Thank you very much John and Chris for your suggestions. These would help me a lot in trying different ways how to achieve a blurred background. I really appreciate your help. Thanks again.
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John Rhodes |
Odeth, To get back to your comment that you cannot adjust the aperture on your camera(s). Your gallery shows images from the Canon Powershot 550 as well as the Olympus E-510. Both of these camera allow adjustment of aperture. read your user manuals on these camera to find out how. John
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Odeth Mizuno |
Hello John, I didn't see any mention of aperture in my Canon Powershot manual, but I see exposure setting that I can adjust manually. I guess, this is the same. I'm still a beginner and there are still so many things I need to learn about photography :) Thank you again for your help. Odeth
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