How to blur the background on portrait photography

Many people want to blur the background when they shoot portraits. Because by blurring the background, viewers are paying more attention to the model than the background. It also look more artistic. But how to get that effect in your picture?

First, you will need a DSLR camera and a lens, preferably fixed lens with big maximum aperture. Most compact camera will not able to achieve blur that you often see in the internet or magazine.

If you already get one, here are three important factors to blur the background

1. Zoom in your lens

Zoom in your lens to its maximum zoom length. For example, in 18-55m lens, zoom it to 55mm. If you have fixed lens such as 50mm and 85mm, you don’t have to do anything. If you have telephoto zoom lens, it is even better. Use the lens and set it to 85mm-135mm, an ideal focal length of portrait photography.

2. Position your model far away from the background

The farther your model to the background than to your camera, the blurrier the background will be

3. Set maximum aperture

Set your lens to its maximum/biggest aperture in corresponding zoom length. For example, in 18-55mm lens, set it to f/5.6. For 50mm f/1.8.

If you’ve tried it with your 18-55mm lens and fail to achieve what you like, try getting 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.8 lens. They are significantly better for portrait photography.

Tagged as: Portrait

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