How to blur backgrounds when photographing portraits
A question I get asked often from beginners to SLR photography, is how do I achieve a smooth or blurred background in my photographs. It doesn’t matter whether you’re photographing a portrait, flower or animal, the technique stays the same, and revolves around the Aperture setting on your camera.
This photography tutorial below by Cameralabs is no doubt one of the best videos I’ve seen to help those first starting out.
Digital SLR Photography Tutorial – How to blur backgrounds on portraits
Important Tip
Before taking a portrait, always ask yourself if blurring the background is the best technique for that particular situation. I’ll give you an example of what I mean. Last year while touring the Whitsunday Islands here in North Queensland Australia, I took this photograph of my parter John and daughter Danielle.
Yes, it’s a photograph I’ll treasure forever. However, my first reaction when I returned home, was one where I was wishing I’d also photographed the beautiful tropical background for memories of where they had enjoyed their day together.
Just because you know how to blur backgrounds on portraits, doesn’t mean you have to do it every time!
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{ 4 comments }
This opened my eyes and gave me a better understanding of what aperture really is. Thanks for the easy to understand explanation. I love photography but am having a hard time changing from a point and click to an DSLR.
So much to learn.
Thanks again. Your site is a treasure.
Wow, that video really make sense of the aperture thingy. ISO, aperture, shutter speed, they all make taking a photo so difficult. Your site is full of good hints, just have to keep reading so it stays on the brain eventually.
Great Video about the Aperture and the blurring backgrounds. This is all new to me but was very easy to understand with your video. Thanks.
You know how to blur backgrounds on portraits, doesn’t mean you have to do it every time!
That makes abundant sense.
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