How do I blur a background?

[threeinthenest]

I have a few shots I really like of my kiddos, but the background is a bit distracting, how can I blur it up a bit?? Thank you!

[kirkt]

In Photoshop >= CS2, you can use the lens blur filter to simulate the "bokeh" of a depth of field effect. You can also just use a gaussian blur, with a little less of a convincing effect. Either way, you mask off the subject and apply your blur to the background. With the lens blur filter, you should create a depth map (grayscale image to tell the filter the distance from the camera to the various portions of your image) to modulate the blur. I don't know if Elements has the lens blur filter, so you may just go with the gaussian blur.

Kirk

[Nathan]

You're using PS Elements 6? I haven't used it, but I assume you work with layers. With the layer mask tool (you can download (http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/pselements/qt/layermasktool.htm)it if you don't have it), blur one layer and brush in your children to apply the blur only to the background.

*Edit - As luck would have it, I found a video tutorial for you.
http://www.alibony.com/video/video-lesson4.htm

[threeinthenest]

Hey Guys,
Thank you so much for the help, and Reign-for the edit. Take care.

[Tdragone]

Totally different approach.. Use your 50mm 1.8 :)
I just showed a co worker the difference the Aperture makes yesterday. I like seeing the light go on in someone's head.

[threeinthenest]

Totally different approach.. Use your 50mm 1.8 :)
I just showed a co worker the difference the Aperture makes yesterday. I like seeing the light go on in someone's head.



Hey Tom!
Ya know , I have my fingers crossed-tomorrow is my birthday and I have a feeling I just may have the 50 1.8 and a reflector in my near future! I cannot wait to get my hands on that lens, and with any luck-he may have picked up the 85 1.8 also, so we'll see! Thanks for the post! :)

[Bobster]

i got my 50 1.8 for my birthday a year ago tomoro :) (on my 2nd copy as the first let alot of crap into it)