If you want to learn how to blur the background of an image while you keep the subject in perfect focus, this is the right place to be.
Here, I’ll tell you the methods and techniques you can use to achieve this effect – both before you take the photo and afterward by editing the image.
I’ll also tell you all about the bokeh effect and answer some FAQs.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Why Blur the Background of a Photo?
Credit: Chevanon Photography
There are many reasons – the most important one is to draw attention to the main subject.
This is because when everything else is blurred, the only thing that’s sharp stands out. It also helps to ‘hide’ any distracting elements that could be in the background.
Another reason why you would want a blurred background is because it adds to the tridimensional effect. Since the depth of field is determined by distance, the blur effect creates different planes that add depth.
Last but not least, a blurred background gives a professional look to your photos.
Most simple snapshots – aka, those taken with smartphones or cameras in automatic mode – have a deeper depth of field. In contrast, professional photos use techniques like bokeh, blurry backgrounds, or selective focus to direct the viewer.
Why Blur the Background of a Picture In-Camera? (As Opposed to with Software)
When you do it in-camera, you’ll notice how the blur intensity changes according to the distance. Things that are closer to the focal point will be more defined than the ones that are further away.
Also, the shape and aspect of the bokeh blur changes according to the lens you use. Generally speaking, an in-camera effect will have a more natural look than the flat render you can create with a blur tool.
Of course, with enough skills and more precise editing work, you can better imitate the blurring effect from the camera. However, it will be more time-consuming.
What Creates Background Blur?
Here, I’ll explain the different factors you need to consider to create a background blur. However, you also need to consider that you need to find the right balance between them to achieve the desired effect.
At first, some people find DOF calculators useful, while others prefer trial and error. Choose the method you like best – after a while, it will come more naturally.
Aperture
The most common factor to control the depth of field is the aperture. When you have a shallow depth of field, you can keep the subject sharp while the background will be blurred.
To achieve this, you need a wide aperture represented by a smaller f/number. So, aperture values such as f/1.8, f/2.8, etc., will create a background blur.
Distance
There are two distances to consider when you want a blurry background.
The first one is the distance between the subject and the background. The second one is the distance from the camera to the subject.
Both distances work in opposite ways. To create a background blur, you need a small distance from you to your subject and a big distance from the subject to the background.
Focal Length
Focal length also plays a role. For a blurry background, longer lenses tend to work better, considering that you keep the same distance.
What Camera Settings to Use for Blurring the Background
To get a blurred background on your images, you need to shoot with the widest aperture possible.
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This may be something like f/1.8 in many 50mm lenses, f/2.8 in fast zoom lenses, or f/3.5 on the shorter focal length of most zoom lenses.
Since the aperture is wide open, you’ll probably have to use a fast shutter speed and a low ISO value. This will depend on the amount of light available.
You can also use Aperture Priority mode. This way, you set the widest aperture, and the camera will adjust the rest for a correct exposure.
How to Blur the Background of a Picture on iPhone
You can easily blur the background using the camera app of the iPhone. Simply scroll through the different options until you find Portrait mode.
This way, the camera will automatically do a background blur. If there’s something you need to change in order to achieve the effect – like moving further away – it will tell you.
You can control the intensity of the background blur. To do so, open your image in the Camera Roll and tap on Edit.
Then, tap the f icon on the top left and adjust the aperture. If you scroll to the left, you’ll choose a higher aperture value for more blurring, and vice-versa.
The aperture range on the iPhone’s camera app when using the Portrait mode is f/1.4 – f/16.
If you didn’t shoot the photo in Portrait mode and you want to add a background blur, you can use a photo editing app.
How to Blur the Background of a Picture on Android
Just like iPhones, most Android phones have a camera app that allows you to blur photo backgrounds using the Portrait mode.
The only difference is that you won’t be able to change the aperture.
If you really want to do this, you can use third-party apps such as Google Photos. Here, you have a Blurring tool that allows you to increase or decrease the background blur effect.
How to Take a Portrait With a Blurred Background
Credit: Dids
As I mentioned earlier in the article, to blur a photo background, you need to consider four things – aperture, focal length, distance between subject and background, and distance between subject and camera.
Depending on which one of these elements you can modify, the order of the steps may change.
Let’s say that you only have one prime lens – then all the other decisions will be based on that.
If you have a zoom lens or many prime lenses but you’re working in a small location, then start with the distance and choose the lens and aperture based on that.
Here’s a workflow example you can use working with natural light and a kit lens.
Step 1 – Position your subject
Find a spot where your model gets enough soft light, and the background is as far away as possible.
Step 2 – Compose your photo
Next, you need to compose your photo. This involves two of the factors that contribute to blurring a background – the distance between you and your subject and the focal length.
Step 3 – Choose the settings
Now, you need to adjust the camera settings so that the photo is properly exposed. Since the depth of field is your main priority, then you need to start with the aperture.
Then, you can set the shutter speed and the ISO accordingly.
Check our guide to the exposure triangle to learn how to master these camera settings.
Step 4 – Set the focus
Next, you need to set the focal point – in portraits, it usually needs to be on the eyes.
If you’re using autofocus, simply press the shutter button halfway to set the focus. You can also do this with manual focus if you prefer.
Step 4 – Take a test shot and adjust if necessary
Lastly, take the photo and check it on the LCD screen. If you blur it too much or too little, you can change the distance, the lens, or the aperture.
How to Create Bokeh
Bokeh is the effect created by a blurred background when there are light beams coming from the back, creating circle or hexagon shapes.
So, to create a bokeh blur, place your subject in front of some light sources – like fairy lights, or trees where the light comes in through the leaves.
Then, follow the same steps explained in the previous section of the article.
How to Blur the Background of a Picture You’ve Already Taken
It’s possible to add a blur effect on photos you’ve already taken using photo-editing software.
Adobe Software is great for this, but many other programs like Luminar or GIMP also work.
There are also websites and apps that you can use. Let’s see some of the options.
How to Blur Background in Lightroom
Photo: Tom Chang
If you didn’t get the blurring you wanted in-camera, you can always edit your photo using Lightroom.
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The latest update came with a Lens Blur tool that allows you to create the same effect as you would get with the camera. This is more accurate because it calculates the blur depending on the distance to the subject.
However, this tool is only available on photos with specific formats and information. So, if you don’t have the latest version of LR or your images aren’t in the right format, you can make a blur effect with the Sharpness slider instead.
You can learn how to do it in this Shotkit article: How to Blur Background in Lightroom.
How to Blur Background in Photoshop Elements
You can also use Photoshop Elements to edit your images so that they look like they were taken with a background blur.
There are a number of tools you can use to achieve the perfect effect. In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide and a variety of methods.
How to Blur the Background of a Picture Online
Credit: www.photoroom.com
There are plenty of websites that blur backgrounds on any photo without any editing knowledge.
One of my favorites is PhotoRoom. Simply upload the photo you want by using the browser or with a drag-and-drop method. Then, it will add the blur automatically. Once it’s done, you can download your photo.
There are also web-based photo editors such as Fotor. Using these, you’ll have many tools to edit your photos and add a blur effect with more control.
What Apps Can I Use to Blur the Background of a Picture?
PhotoRoom – Android/iPhone – free/in-app purchases. This app blurs the background of any photo with just a tap. You can also remove the background, replace it, add shadows, etc. Aside from that, you can add text, edit photos, use their templates, etc.
Blur Photo Editor Pro – Android – free/in-app purchases. You can add the depth of field effect with a one-finger touch control. You can also remove the background and crop your photos.
Picsart AI Photo Editor – Android/iPhone – free/in-app purchases. This app has different selection tools for you to isolate the subject and blur the rest. You can also remove objects, edit your photos, crop them, turn them into sketches, and more.
FAQ
How do you add blur to a photo?
You can add blur to an image using most editing software and apps. Simply mask the background and use the blur tool.
How do you blur the background of a picture on iPhone without portrait mode?
You can change the aperture in the camera app if it’s possible. Otherwise, you can use a photo editing app and blur it after you take the photo.
How do you blur the background of a video?
The depth of field in videos behaves in the same way as in photos. So, you need to choose a longer focal length, get closer to your subject, or close the aperture.
What is the best lens to use to blur the background of a photo?
Telephoto lenses with wide minimum apertures are the best ones. Also, a macro lens will work as you’ll be very close to the subject.
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