Easily Blur the Selected Background in Photoshop - WindowsTips.net - Windows Tips and Tricks with Geek

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Easily Blur the Selected Background in Photoshop

 

Gaussian Blur

Gaussian Blur is the most basic and most effective blur tool. It merges and overlaps all pixels to create a generalized blur effect.

  1. 1. Select Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.

    The Gaussian Blur command in Photoshop
  2. 2. Use the slider to decide how blurred you want the background to be.

    Note: Use the preview window to look at a portion of the image, or select Preview to see the whole image.

    The Radius slider for Gaussian Blur in Photoshop[
  3. 3. When you're happy with the result, select OK.

    The OK button in the Gaussian Blur window
  4. 4. Photoshop applies the blur effect to the selected area only. Press Command+D (or Ctrl+D on Windows) to deselect and see the final result.

    An image in Photoshop with a blurred background

Motion Blur

This effect gives the impression of movement, as if the background is moving at high speed or the photographer is quickly moving past it.

  1. 1. Select Filter > Blur > Motion Blur.

    The Motion Blur option in Photoshop
  2. 2. Use the Distance modifier to change the strength of the blur effect.

    The Distance slider in the Motion Blur window
  3. 3 If desired, change the angle of the motion by entering a number in the corresponding box, or click and drag the small reticule.

    Note: It's easier to see how the angle affects the final effect if you adjust it after setting the distance.

    The Angle adjustment in Motion Blur
  4. 4. Select OK to accept the changes.

    The OK button
  5. 5. Photoshop applies the blur effect to the selected area only. Press Command+D (or Ctrl+in Windows) to deselect and see the final result.

    An image with a Motion Blur effect added.

Lens Blur

For a more subtle blurring that's akin to a shallow depth of field in photography, use Lens Blur. It has several options to play with, including:

  • a. Radius: Affects the strength of the blur.
  • b. Shape and Blade Curvature: Adjusts the virtual lens that shapes the blur.
  • c. Specular highlights: Increases the brightness of some portions of the image to imitate a longer exposure than when the image was initially taken.

Play around with the settings until you find the effect you like, then select OK.

Lens Blur options in Photoshop

Radial Blur

For a unique look, apply a Radial Blur. It's not a natural look, but it makes the foreground subject appear as though it emerged through some sort of portal.

Note: Radial Blur doesn't include a preview, so you may have to try several options until you get the effect you want.

An image in Photoshop with a Radial Blur applied to it

No comments:

Post a Comment