How to Blur the Background of Photos You've Already Taken

Blurring the background of your photos is a fantastic technique to enhance the focus on your main subject and create a more professional and aesthetically pleasing image. Whether you're an experienced photographer or a casual snap-taker, this article will guide you through the process using various photo editing software and mobile apps. Follow the steps to achieve the perfect blurred background in your photos.

Popular Methods to Blur Backgrounds

1. Using Adobe Photoshop

To blur the background using Adobe Photoshop, follow these detailed steps:

Open your photo in Photoshop. Select the subject: Use the Quick Selection Tool or the Select Subject feature found under the Select menu to select the main subject of your photo. Refine the selection: Go to Select - Modify - Feather and set a small radius (1-5 pixels) to soften the edges. Invert the selection: Press Shift Ctrl I on Windows or Shift Command I on Mac to select the background. Apply a blur: Go to Filter - Blur - Gaussian Blur or any other blur effect you prefer and adjust the slider to achieve the desired blur level. Deselect the selection: Press Ctrl D on Windows or Command D on Mac to deselect the selection. 2. Using Mobile Apps

Several mobile apps offer excellent capabilities for blurring backgrounds. Here are a couple of options:

Snapseed Open your photo in Snapseed. Use the Lens Blur tool which allows you to adjust the blur strength and transition. You can also use the brush tool to manually apply blur to specific areas. PicsArt Open your photo and select the Cutout tool to isolate the subject. Then use the Blur tool to apply background blur. 3. Online Editors

For those who prefer online editors, here are a couple of options:

Fotor Upload your photo to the platform. Use the selection tools to mark the subject and apply a blur effect to the background. Pixlr Similar to Fotor, use the selection tools to mark the subject and apply blur to the background. 4. Using Filters

Some popular apps like Instagram and VSCO have built-in filters that can simulate a blurred background effect. Simply apply these filters after selecting the area you want to keep in focus.

Tips for Blurring Backgrounds

Always work on a copy of your original photo to preserve the original image. Adjust the blur intensity to match the depth of field you want to mimic. More blur for a shallower depth of field. Experiment with different tools and settings to find the perfect balance between clarity of the subject and blur of the background.

By following these steps, you can effectively blur the background of your photos, enhancing the focus on your main subject and taking your photography skills to the next level!