According to statistics, 1.72 trillion photos are captured worldwide every year.
Ever wondered how to capture an aesthetically pleasing photo with an assured focus on the subject? A blurry background is the way to go.
A blurred photo background draws the viewer's attention to the subject in focus. It also makes a photo appear more professional. It’s easy to differentiate a photo taken with blurred background in mind from one with no specific focus.
Coming up with a beautifully blurred background may seem difficult if you lack the right tricks.
This article discusses four ways to achieve the blurred photo background effect.
1. Use Wide Aperture Lens
If you want to capture the perfect blurred photo blur effect, use a wide aperture lens rather than a narrow one.
The aperture is the opening of the lens that allows light into the camera. It’s measured in f-stops and makes the depth of field narrower.
The depth of field refers to how much of an image is in focus. Having a shallow depth of field means your subject stands out more from the background.
A small f-stop or large opening creates a shallow depth of field hence a more focused subject. A large f-stop such as f/16 gives off less focus.
You should remember that a wide aperture is best suited for portrait photographers. Landscape or architecture photographers opt for a narrower aperture since they need to focus on the entire image.
2. Use a Long Focal Length
The distance between the camera sensor and the lens when taking a photo is the focal length. Different lenses have different focal lengths depending on whether it’s a prime lens or a zoom lens.
A prime lens has a fixed focal length, meaning it's impossible to adjust, but there are variable focal lengths for a zoom lens.
Taking a photo using a long focal length compresses the subject. This creates a shallow depth of field and, therefore, a blurred photo background effect.
Using a short focal length puts the entire image into focus. This trick is mainly used for taking group photos where you need everyone in focus.
3. Decrease the Camera-to-Subject Distance
When blurring a photo, bringing the subject closer to the camera and further from the background is advisable. This action will cause the background to lose focus hence becoming blurry.
This tactic also works if you want to take a group photo that requires everyone to be in focus while still blurring the background.
Find a place where people can stand closer to the camera while maintaining a distance from the background.
4. Edit Your Photos Post Production
There are several apps used to edit photos after you've taken them. Some include Snapseed, After Shot, Adobe Photoshop, and PicsArt.
These apps allow you to blur the background and work as a background eraser. Although it’s not the best way to do it as it may appear fake if not well done, it works just the same.
It's a useful method when a photographer is limited, and factors such as the depth of field are not working to their advantage.
Ways to Achieve the Blurred Photo Background Effect
You want your subject to be the center of attention when taking photos. The blurred photo background effect ensures that the subject is in focus.
Blurring a background is achievable through creating a shallow depth of field, using a wide aperture, and editing.
If you enjoyed reading this article, stay on this page for more informative pieces.