Canon A640 Background Blurring

[KienC]

I recently purchased a Canon A640 and I have been trying to take portraits in "portrait mode" with a blurred background. All I have been able to achieve is a sharp background and forground. Is there anything that can be done during shooting that will allow me to achieve the effect of a blurred background?

[angryhampster]

back away from the subject and zoom in. Keep your subject far from the background.

...also, make sure you're in Av mode on the widest aperture.

[Stump]

Just like he said, Back away as far as possible and use all the zoom you have. Use the lower aperture numerically. It'll do a real good bg blur, I had an a620 and it did a great job blurring the background at full zoom.

[Jon]

Take a look at this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=363533) for the opposite perspective!

[KienC]

The members in this forum are very knowledgeable and willing to help. I very much appreciate all your prompt responses!
Would you please help clarify further -- does it mean that the "Portrait Mode" of my Canon A640 won’t automatically give me the blurred background effect, as they advertise it would?

[Jon]

It'll give you the best camera settings for that, but sometimes it's just impossible for the camera to get a blurred background when the photographer's not cooperating. To give it the best chance, have your subject as far from the background as you can manage.