How to Blur the Edges of a Photo on an SLR Camera

Creating a blur effect is easy to do with little equipment.

Digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras allow you to change the lens to achieve a better shot depending on the subject. SLRs have many different functions and modes to create effects on images, but creating blur around just the edges of an image is often attained in software such as Photoshop post-production. If you would prefer to create this effect directly while taking the shot, the old-fashioned way is quick, requires little expertise and costs hardly anything to achieve.

Things You'll Need

• Petroleum jelly
• Clear acetate film
• Marker pen
• Scissors
• Clear tape

Instructions

1. Place your camera lens on top of the acetate film. Trace around the lens with a marker pen.

2. Cut out the circle shape. Stick four small pieces of clear tape -- one each at the top, bottom and each side of the acetate and attach to the rim of the lens.

3. Cover your finger with petroleum jelly. Carefully smear all the way round the edge of the acetate film.

4. Take your picture and you should have acheived a blurred edge. If the image is not blurred enough around the edge just add more petroleum jelly to your acetate film.

Tips & Warnings

• If your camera has a pinhole effect in the "scene modes" this will also create a similar blurring effect around the edges.

• You can put petroleum jelly directly on your lens if you wish but you will risk scratching your lens.

References

• Camera Dowload: Top 10 Fun and Creative SLR Effects