How to Blur the Background With a Digital SLR

Learning how to blur the background of a photo taken with a digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera is not much different from producing the same effect with a film camera. The principle settings you should be concerned with are still f-stop, which is essentially the aperture setting, and focal length. Once you've fiddled with these, it boils down to a question of staging your background and subject appropriately to aid the mechanical function of your camera.

Instructions

1. Select a "portrait" or "aperture priority" mode if your camera has it; this will automatically blur the background for you.

2. Try shooting in a macro mode; this will focus on an up-close object. Make sure what you'd like to shoot clearly is in focus, while leaving the background blurred out of focus.

3. Open the aperture as wide as possible; this is the same as setting your f-stop setting as low as possible.

4. Select a special lens with a wide aperture. The lower the "f" number on the lens, the wider its aperture.

5. Try using a lens with a long focal length. This is typically measured in millimeters and will be the first number given after the brand of the lens; for example, Canon 60-100mm.

6. Get your in-focus subject as far away from the background as possible; the further the distance between them, the blurrier the background will be.

References

• Digital Photography Tips