How To Blur Any Background

One question a lot of beginners have, is this one.  How do I get that beautiful blurred background without using Photoshop?  Well it's actually very simple, and I am going to show you how. 

First, set your dial to A (Nikon) or AV (Cannon).  This is Aperture priority mode.  (This look can of course be obtained in Manual (M) mode, but this tutorial is really just for beginners.)

When you do this you control your aperture, and the camera automatically adjusts your other settings, like shutter speed, for you.  On your camera display screen you should see your camera settings.  One of them is an F number.  Turn your dial on the back of your camera  until your F number is as low as it goes.  If you have a standard lense, then it will probably be around 4 or 5.  If you have a smaller lense like I do, {50 mm} then you should be able to go as low as F1.8 or lower.

Make sure there is some distance between your subject and your background otherwise you will get this:

Notice how when my daughter is all the way up against her background, a.k.a my front door, the background is coming in pretty clear.  I can definitely tell she's standing against my door.  It doesn't matter that my F stop (Apreture) is down to 1.8.  So, make sure there is distance between your subject, and your background.

Second, get up close.   When you leave too much distance between you and your subject, it is also harder to get that creamy blurred background. Here is my daughter again, this time I moved her away from the door and got a close up shot.

F 1.8/ ISO 400

 Same exact camera settings, same exact background,  just moved her away from the door.

Setting your ISO is also important.  Here's the basics on ISO.

If you are outside in bright sun:     ISO 100

Shade or a well lit room:                ISO 400

Overcast or sun setting:                ISO: 800

Inside in low light:                       ISO 1600

Dimly lit room:                            ISO 6400

Remember, the higher the ISO is, the grainier your pictures will be. 

         

F 1.8/ISO 100 (Away from Background)                  F 1.8/ ISO 100 ( Close to Background)

While the second picture definitely has SOME blur to it, the difference is clear.  I achieved this difference simply by moving my son closer to me.  

 Those are the basic rules when you are starting out to get you that nice blurry background.

Play around with your camera.  Take the same shot with different F stops and see the difference.  That is really and truly a great way to get in tune with your camera.