How can I get strong foreground blur while keeping the subject sharp?
Asked 1/2/2017
5 views
2 answers
0
I want to blur objects in front of my subject rather than the background, and keep the subject sharp in-camera. What shooting techniques make foreground blur stronger? I’m using a Nikon D7200 with an AF-S 18-140mm VR lens.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
11
From the other question:
Here's the list of things that influence depth of field the most (in this particular order):
- Subject distance, the closer the subject is, the shallower the DOF (think of macro)
- Focal length, the more millimeters, the shallower the DOF
- Aperture, the smaller the f-number, the shallower the DOF
(written by Karel)
and this is my addition specific for this question:
- Make the foreground as close the to camera as possible. Make the subject as far away as possible.
The closer the camera is to the foreground, the larger the bokeh will be. As the camera is moved away from the foreground, the bokeh will be smaller.
Here is my clarification,
WITH PICTURES!
This is what the lighting setup looks like (sorry for crappy image quality... you can't take pictures of your nice camera with your nice camera): 
I am not using a flash. I am using a lightbulb that is behind the fan.
Originally by user58136. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user58136
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Foreground blur is controlled by the same depth-of-field factors as background blur. To make it stronger while keeping your subject sharp:
- Put the foreground object as close to the lens as possible.
- Focus on the subject, and keep the subject farther from the foreground.
- Use the widest aperture available (smallest f-number).
- Use a longer focal length.
- For the same framing, increasing camera-to-subject distance with a longer lens can give shallower depth of field.
In short: close foreground + focused subject farther away + wide aperture + longer focal length = stronger foreground blur.
Shutter speed does not affect bokeh. Lens design does affect the look/quality of the blur, and some lenses render bokeh more pleasingly than others. If you want more blur than your current zoom can provide, a faster lens can help.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI9y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I keep both my subject and the background sharp?
How can I get a blurred background with an 18-55mm kit lens?
How can I get sharper portraits with softer-looking skin on a Nikon D7200?
How can I create vertical streaks or blurred lines at the bottom of a photo?
What size front lens cap fits the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR?