how to make the background less obvious

[CaroL]

I like this image of the leaves,but hate the background being so in focus.How do I change that? Is there something I can do in psp or does it have to be when the pic is taken?


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/whispering_rain/apf/fall/19a85054.jpg

[hir0]

not sure about paint shop pro, but photoshop has some options for blurring the background. to throw the background out of focus you need a somewhat shallow DOF (depth of field).

there are 3 things that control DOF:
1. distance to subject (the closer the less DOF)
2. focal length (the longer the less DOF)
3. aperture size (the larger the less, it goes backwards though f2 is larger than f4 for example)

[Ibn]

Haven't used PSP before, but it's definitely something that you can do in CS2. Could be done a variety of ways, from using Rich's dust and scratch technique to using the blur tool.

[alanhill]

It's always easier to do this sort of job in the camera. The difficulty is realising that you are going to need to do it before you press the shutter button. None of us is as good at previsualisation as we'd like to be.

Alan

[turbomkt]

Try this out: http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,7573316

But on the second layer, instead of making it B&W, use a blur on the whole layer. It takes a little time to get the edges right, but is not impossible.

http://turbomkt.aquariumgarden.com/APC/Kevins%20Stretch%20small.jpg

[mickey85]

I can't for the life of me figure out how to do that...even with the tutorial

[paradise]

Well, agree with alan for sure, best done with camera, but if you must do it in PS, that image seems to have enough edge separation to be able to select just the leaves and blur the rest. If you have the original, Carol, I can try it for you.

[JerseyJay]

I can't for the life of me figure out how to do that...even with the tutorial
Mickey,

You can't figure what out ? If its color -> b&w w/ color conversion, I can easily put that into tutorial.

[mickey85]

Mickey,

You can't figure what out ? If its color -> b&w w/ color conversion, I can easily put that into tutorial.

exactly. I tried to follow the tutorial that is linked to this thread, and couldn't figure it out. I get the picture to black and white, then can't put the color back in

[JerseyJay]

Mickey,

This is veryyyyy easy and it took me 15 seconds to complete that step. I will give you quick step-by-step here.

1. Open image in Photoshop
2. In Layers Tab, right click on the image and pick - Duplicate Layer (name it or click ok)
3. Your "new" layer should be highlighted
4. On top toolbar click Image -> Adjustments -> Desaturate (you will have original image in color and new layer in b&W)
4. While having new layer (b&W) clicked in Layers Tab, On top toolbar click Layer -> Layer Mask -> Reveall All
5. Click on brush and start painting over your picture.
- black color will bring "original" colors
- white color will put back "new layer" colors

Easy as that .... let me know and good luck !

[mickey85]

SWEET! I got it to work!

now to scrounge up $600 for the real photoshop, since this one runs out in 29 days...lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/shortymac83/flower-rose_5xvcopy.jpg


I'm wanting to fade the color more...I don't have time for that ATM. maybe tomorrow.