Creating Focal Blur in Photoshop Elements

Focal blur is a photographic technique that creates a sharp focus on the subject while blurring the background. This effect can be achieved in Photoshop Elements using several different methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore two of the most popular methods for creating focal blur: the Gaussian Blur filter and the Lens Blur filter.

Using the Gaussian Blur Filter

The Gaussian Blur filter is a simple and effective way to apply a general blur to an image. To use the Gaussian Blur filter, follow these steps:

1. Open the image you want to edit in Photoshop Elements.
2. Click on the Filter menu and select Blur > Gaussian Blur.
3. In the Gaussian Blur dialog box, you can adjust the Radius slider to control the amount of blur. A higher radius value will result in a more blurred image.
4. Click on the OK button to apply the filter.

The Gaussian Blur filter is a good choice for creating a general blur throughout an image. However, it does not allow you to specify the area of the image that should be blurred. This can be a problem if you want to create a shallow depth of field effect, where only the subject is in focus and the background is blurred.

Using the Lens Blur Filter

The Lens Blur filter is a more powerful tool for creating focal blur. It allows you to specify the area of the image that should be blurred and the direction of the blur. To use the Lens Blur filter, follow these steps:

1. Open the image you want to edit in Photoshop Elements.
2. Click on the Filter menu and select Blur > Lens Blur.
3. In the Lens Blur dialog box, you can drag the Focus slider to specify the area of the image that should be in focus.
4. You can also use the Lens Blur dialog box to specify the direction of the blur. The Iris tab allows you to choose from a variety of iris shapes, and the Blades slider allows you to control the number of blades in the iris.
5. Click on the OK button to apply the filter.

The Lens Blur filter is a more versatile tool than the Gaussian Blur filter. It allows you to create more realistic focal blur effects, including shallow depth of field effects. However, it can also be more difficult to use, especially if you are not familiar with the different settings.

Additional Tips for Creating Focal Blur

Here are a few additional tips for creating focal blur in Photoshop Elements:

• Use a high-resolution image. This will give you more detail to work with and will result in a smoother blur.
• Use a sharp lens. A sharp lens will help to reduce the amount of noise in the image, which can make the blur appear more natural.
• Consider using a tripod. This will help to reduce camera shake and will result in a sharper image.
• Use a graduated neutral density filter. This can help to darken the background and make it easier to create a shallow depth of field effect.
• Use a focus stack. This is a technique where multiple images are taken at different focus points and then combined in Photoshop to create a single image with a deep depth of field.

By following these tips, you can create stunning focal blur effects in your Photoshop Elements photos.

Conclusion

Focal blur is a powerful technique that can add depth and dimension to your photos. By using the Gaussian Blur filter or the Lens Blur filter, you can create a variety of focal blur effects to suit your needs. With a little practice, you can become a master of focal blur and create stunning images that will impress your friends and family.

I hope this article has helped you learn how to do focal blur in Photoshop Elements. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.