Do you want to know how to get a blurry background in your photos? You can do it! Keep reading to learn my 4 simple steps to achieving this effect. You’ll see that once you take the time to set your photo up correctly using these techniques, you’ll be able to get blurry backgrounds all the time!
Focal Length
The longer your focal length, the more blur you can achieve in your photos. If you are using a 85mm or longer, it is easier to achieve the look you want. I almost always use a 135mm lens. This alone is not the only thing that will create a beautiful blurry background. BUT, you can still get blurry backgrounds using a 50mm or 35mm, if you do the next few things!
Aperture
Set it wide. By opening up your aperture you are setting your photo up for getting great blur in the background. The wider open you are, the better chance you have the create this effect. A wide aperture setting is typically between f/ 1.2 – f/3.5. However, blurry backgrounds can be created with narrower apertures, if you follow some of the other tips.
Position
If you want the blurry backgrounds in your photos, you must position your subject away from the background. The farther the subject is from the background, the blurrier it will become. If your subject has their back touching a wall or tree, that background will not get the blurriness you desire. Have your subject step (far) away from whatever is behind them.
Add It In
To really give your photo some creative flair, or if you just didn’t achieve the level of blurriness you wanted. you could always add some in later in Photoshop. Now, this won’t work with every photo. But, if you have one that already had a slight level of blur to it, there are ways in Photoshop you can add extra in. Watch below and I’ll take you step by step how I add extra blur to the background in my photos.
FAQs
- What is depth of field and how does it affect my photos?
- Which lens is best for achieving a blurry background?
- Can I create a blurry background with a smartphone camera?
- How do I avoid overexposing my subject when using a wide aperture?
- Is it necessary to use a tripod when shooting with a shallow depth of field?
- What other factors besides aperture affect depth of field?
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