I don't typically add a lot of effects to my photos, usually only lightening some shadows or darkening them up a bit. One thing I have started experimenting with is adding some blur to the scene- either at the time of the photo, or, as is the case with a couple of the photos below, by editing them later.
I think blurring the subject, the foreground or the background can add a nice element to a photo. It can direct the eye to a particular portion of the photo, or it can let the viewers' mind fill in the blanks as to what is not fully visible. Sometimes, it can give a photo a dreamy quality.
Here are a couple practice shots.....
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS6USzhwve8FRI4RIK3nucTzyAHuGzIKOszsQKUI7gZAMPnasRHcQBvgVm_xZI86kQ0AvYq-A_hJw8vPICRrYZ9Uih4cytPVsvK5KuudMJRqYInmQcakcALKJY6W71Lzo31fuN0dd8CaM/s400/2012-04-19+14.41.44c.jpg) |
This photo was created by taking a quick shot with no focusing. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2-ijvgGbNjHU3QliYx9VlQKdpgJVjGaOuq1lrw929jrPW09ji3C5sm0N0fzQo5_WDh4x9aRNZ57SPcVMSKuPLbzs6MEQb4cxg338gEpQDCrMKWCiNF2gfyurpRsVxHrcGqr_6KHL65Ou/s400/IMG_6382b.jpg) |
Foreground and background blur created by focusing on the flowers in the center. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9Fnt_2_YX6K8r6-hxpkk4WGGTkbxV7VAgSkn7EFR8u1MJy5IAekF2UkqIRpUZ43Q_4hY9Vfr91VPX_agb16qAiDZUSFeVZm3smJPnYUrcx2hBe35bjC4tn6TnT1PffX0rViAAbU4GhVA/s400/IMG_5181b.jpg) |
Focusing on the Washington Monument allowed the lady in the foreground to blur. |
Selective focus is one of the best ways to draw attention to a subject in a picture. I think my favorite use of it here is the little dog.
ReplyDeleteThe blur looks good. I'm a super duper novice and I'm just learning some techniques with my digital camera. I do very little editing after the fact.
ReplyDeleteClearly I have a long way to go. Great pictures T!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the one of the joggers.
ReplyDelete