How to get foreground blurred

ab2012

ab2012

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alan
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with focus on a distant object.May seem stupid question, but it isn't to me :)
Any tips appreciated.Thanks.
 
ab2012 said:
with focus on a distant object.May seem stupid question, but it isn't to me :)
Any tips appreciated.Thanks.
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Use the longest focal length and fastest aperture you have (I.e. lowest f/number)
It helps to have the largest distance possible between the object in focus and whatever you're trying to blur as well (closer to the camera the blurred object is, the more blurred it will be).

There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers :)
 
Last edited:
Largish aperture and manual focus.
 
ab2012 said:
with focus on a distant object.May seem stupid question, but it isn't to me :)
Any tips appreciated.Thanks.
Click to expand...

Exactly the same as getting the background out of focus.

Understand your depth of field (DOFmaster) and select the most appropriate lens, aperture and focus point to place the in-focus areas of the image exactly where you want them.
 
mustanir said:
Use the blur tool in photoshop and swish it around your foreground.
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No, don't do this. It'll look naf! (and anything achievable in camera should be done in camera, a golden rule).

It's easy to do in camera, as said, furtherest focal length with widest aperture.
 
Oggy said:
Because it gives you more control.
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Errr since when? No it doesn't It's either in focus or it's not and trying to mf on a normal dslr screen is tricky at best
 
boyfalldown said:
Errr since when? No it doesn't It's either in focus or it's not
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exactly :)

there are some instances when manual focus is better than auto.. a bird in a tree with ikle twigs everywhere ... but generaly theres no advantage to manual focus.
 
boyfalldown said:
Errr since when? No it doesn't It's either in focus or it's not and trying to mf on a normal dslr screen is tricky at best
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Just stick with the green button. ;)
 
Get yourself on a camera course, i did and it was the £100 ive ever spent, you wont be asking simple questions then.
 
Oggy said:
Because it gives you more control.
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I love using manual focus, particularly on macro/close up shots, but it isn't any better or worse than using AF on a modern lens. Simply use aperture priority and choose the widest aperture, then spot focus on whatever you wish to be in focus.
 
SAVA9E said:
Get yourself on a camera course, i did and it was the £100 ive ever spent, you wont be asking simple questions then.
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There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking simple questions, as long as you don't ask the same one over and over and over and over again :p

"The only stupid question, is the one not asked!"
 
You have 3 choices

1. Guess
2. Guess & check
3. Calculate

DOF behind the subject will always be more than infront of the subject, hence, to get what you want to achieve, you may need to manually focus at a slightly shorter distance than "bang on the subject"

tools in the box...

A. Focus manually & use the DOF preview button, followed by chimping
B. Use a DOF calculator
C. Some older lenses have a indication of what will be in focus on the side

The DOF calculator wont take into account the edge performance of your lens, which if it is slightly poorer then the centre, may actually help contribute to making the foreground look a touch more blurry

There is a fourth way (really good way)...

use a tripod, shoot multiple exposures at different F'stops & focus points. Blend the images in Photoshop. I have seen this technique used to actually have a near point in focus, the middle blurry, and the distance subject tac sharp. This is particularly powerful trick for subliminally unsettling and steering a consumer in an advertising shot
 
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