reducing depth of field in photoshop (jargon-tastic post)
Discussion
hi all,
i really like the shallow dof you get when shooting portraits using a 'normal lens' and a large format camera. yes you can get shallow dof by using a longer lens on a dslr BUT you don't get the same field of view or that kind of natural perspective you get when using a 150mm on a 5x4 cpmpared to a 50mm on a dslr.
however. i don't like the cost of shooting large format and the project i have in mind will most likely bankrupt me if i used 5x4.
i've been scanning the interweb for tutorials on how to fake dof. i tried one with pretty poor results.
the project involves shooting full length shots of people in interior like this super duper self portait i shot to test with (shot at f2.0):
i'd like to get the focus fall off like this:
HELP!
i really like the shallow dof you get when shooting portraits using a 'normal lens' and a large format camera. yes you can get shallow dof by using a longer lens on a dslr BUT you don't get the same field of view or that kind of natural perspective you get when using a 150mm on a 5x4 cpmpared to a 50mm on a dslr.
however. i don't like the cost of shooting large format and the project i have in mind will most likely bankrupt me if i used 5x4.
i've been scanning the interweb for tutorials on how to fake dof. i tried one with pretty poor results.
the project involves shooting full length shots of people in interior like this super duper self portait i shot to test with (shot at f2.0):
i'd like to get the focus fall off like this:
HELP!
Edited by Scho on Monday 7th April 12:45
Do your normal curves to start with.
1. Duplicate layer, then use Gaussian blur to between 7-10% can't remember the other values.
2. Add an inverted layer mask and paint in the bits you'd like blurred. As you get closer to the plane of focus, you can lower the opacity of the brush (to 50%) to make it a little less blurry and the a small brush's width at 20% or so.
3. Then flatten image.
It takes a little practise, but is great for getting f/2.8 like shots when you don't expensive glass!!
1. Duplicate layer, then use Gaussian blur to between 7-10% can't remember the other values.
2. Add an inverted layer mask and paint in the bits you'd like blurred. As you get closer to the plane of focus, you can lower the opacity of the brush (to 50%) to make it a little less blurry and the a small brush's width at 20% or so.
3. Then flatten image.
It takes a little practise, but is great for getting f/2.8 like shots when you don't expensive glass!!
You can do it by skillful use of selections and applying a gradient to a blur filter. The trick is applying it to different layers and blending them and also how you make the selection (this is probably the main thing affecting the quality of the result).
I dont know what your level of Photoshop skill is but it isnt meant to be easy, all the best results come from subtle use of the features and can take years to perfect.
I dont know what your level of Photoshop skill is but it isnt meant to be easy, all the best results come from subtle use of the features and can take years to perfect.
te.
Scho said:
i have a 1.4 not quite enough fall off for me.
Agreed, a 50mm might not be wide enough for your needs, but are you sure it doesn't have enough fall off? With my 50mm 1.4 if you focus on the nose of a model, your lucky to have the eyes in pin sharp foucs, and it's a blur by the time you get too the ears on a portrait shot.In addition, I think once you do get the fall off correct you'll have a nice shot, particularly if your doing a series of them. Good luck, look forward to seeing the results.
Edited by cliff123 on Monday 7th April 19:38
cliff123 said:
Scho said:
i have a 1.4 not quite enough fall off for me.
Agreed, a 50mm might not be wide enough for your needs, but are you sure it doesn't have enough fall off? With my 50mm 1.4 if you focus on the nose of a model, your lucky to have the eyes in pin sharp foucs, and it's a blur by the time you get too the ears on a portrait shot._dobbo_ said:
cliff123 said:
Scho said:
i have a 1.4 not quite enough fall off for me.
Agreed, a 50mm might not be wide enough for your needs, but are you sure it doesn't have enough fall off? With my 50mm 1.4 if you focus on the nose of a model, your lucky to have the eyes in pin sharp foucs, and it's a blur by the time you get too the ears on a portrait shot.Having just seen another posting using a Sigma 10-20mm lens, I'd have thought that would be perfect for this project, and it's not such an expensive lens.
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