HELP what's the best way of changing the background

[shortie]

Hi All

I posted these two pictures on the share forum and each time I look at the B/W the more I like it but I need to make the back ground less distracting

So guys help me out - what would you suggest I do or is it past saving :(


http://www.malpas.com/canon/2-resized.jpg

http://www.malpas.com/canon/1-resized.jpg

Many thanks in advance

Shortie

[robertwgross]

If you can get it correct at the time of the shot, it will be better.

As a general rule, the background should be either:
(1) completely in focus
or
(2) completely out of focus

If the background adds something to the subject, then it should be in focus.

If the background is mostly distracting, then it should be out of focus.

So, if you are doing some auto-bracketing, shoot the main shot with the normal moderate aperture, then one shot wide open, and one shot closed down. Ideally, the wide open shot should limit the DOF enough to knock the background out completely, and the closed down shot should unlimit the DOF to get everything in. Once you have those three shots captured, then you can decide which one is best.

I've found that, even with a DOF preview, I can't tell which one of the three will be best until I have it on the computer screen.

---Bob Gross---

[ejwebb]

While it does not provide as nice of an effect as a shallow depth of field would at the time of taking the picture, you can try blurring the background to be more out of focus using Photoshop tools. I can't explain how to do so right this moment but there are many methods and I am sure you can google one pretty quickly. This might produce results you are happy with.

[PhotosGuy]

Do you have PS?

[Roger_Cavanagh]

Filter>Blur>Lens Blur works well in PS CS. Check the entry for Day 4:

http://www.rogercavanagh.com/pstips/12.htm

Regards,

[Jonny]

I would just try to blur the background and crop a little.
This took three mins on a 12" laptop so forgive the crudeness of it. Just to give you an idea.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/j.speed/Forums%20Pictures/Blur.jpg