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FAQ – How do I get a blurry background?

Sunday, November 21, 2010 Posted inALL,PHOTOGRAPHY

How do I get a blurry background?

It’s one of the most common questions people ask me, so I thought I’d quickly cover it here today.

I am a BIG fan of the blurry background. In fact – I would say that it has definitely become part of my signature look. The sharper the subject and the blurrier the background the better – to me at least. However, to achieve that “blurry background” look, you need to invest in a lens that has a wide aperture (low f stop number). I have the Canon 50mm 1.4, but if you’re not looking to spend a fortune I’d recommend the Canon 50mm 1.8. I shoot in Aperture Priority mode, with my aperture ALWAYS at 1.4, and the focus always on the subject’s eye. Sometimes this can be a bit risky as if the subject moves even a tiny bit, the focus will have changed maybe from her eye to the tip of her nose. But, to me, shooting at 1.4 is totally worth the risks as the results are always breathtaking.

Here are a few examples, all shot at 1.4 in Aperture Priority mode:

Hope this has helped a few of you and that you have a FABULOUS weekend! :)

Posted inALL,PHOTOGRAPHY

  • http://www.cassandra-m.com cassandra-m

    THANKS for stopping by my blog. I am so HAPPY our paths have crossed. I am LOVING every image on this post. BEAUTIFUL!!!! Can’t wait to keep up with what you have going on. I am a Canon girl too and shoot wide open myself 1.2 as much as possible. I have the 50mm 1.2 & the 85mm 1,2 and these are by far my most favorite lenses….love from Savannah, GA. USA.

  • http://www.3DArchVis.com/photography Girish

    Stunning shots. I too personally go for a blur background, cause only then the subject looks more stunning and important. Unless it’s a environment portrait or something.

    I am looking forward for my first dslr + a good lens such as you mentioned.

    Thanks for the notes.

  • http://www.photosbynadyastudio.com Alex

    Awesome post alex, thanks for the kind words on my blog! I will make sure to follow you, i look forward to seeing more of your work!Love the 3rd image those colors are amazing!

  • http://tiarephotoblog.com Puanani

    Hi Alex! Thanks for the kind comments on my blog :). Your work is AWESOME! Love, LOVE the last 2 photos!

  • http://www.dluphotography.com Diana Lupu

    LOVE shooting wide open for that creamy buttery background look! :) Great post, great photos! Love them!

  • http://www.eyphotography.com Eric Yerke

    Wow! Amazing images. Very very beautiful. Love it!

  • http://irenelilacsandlace.blogspot.com Irene

    Hi, looooove your website! I found it after you commented on my blog….
    I actually have a question about that picture of the couple in this post – what were the settings to your camera when you took that picture. Its seems to me that when I place subjects in front of the light source, the colors get really washed out. How on earth did you get so much detail preserved….Even the stray hairs are sharp!
    Again, love your blog – you’ve just been bookmarked!

  • http://anneiphotography.com/blog/ Anne

    These are awesome. I also mainly shoot in aperture priority, because I love getting the shallowest depth of field possible. I have the 50mm 1.8 (cuz I can’t afford the 1.4 yet – but I’m saving!) and I generally leave it at 1.8 or 2. Thanks for sharing your lovely images and for the kind comment on my blog!

  • http://www.stevenelmer.com Steve Elmer

    Super post Alex. I am a big fan of wide open when possible (weddings call for a sensible f2.8 or f4 sometimes) but 1.4-2 is my average.

    Oh, p.s. The 3rd image blows my mind!

  • http://www.cpmacphotography.com Chelsea Patricia

    Perrrrrr-fect.

  • http://www.mmworks.us/blog Leeka K.

    Second from the bottom is mu absolute favorite- the girl is gorgeous!

  • http://www.annarebecca.com Anna Rebecca

    Hi Alex! Love your blog! Your pictures are unique, fun and inspiring! So glad we got in touch!– Anna

  • http://www.bunnsalarzon.com Bunn Salarzon

    OH.MY. That third one down is just jaw-dropping!!!

  • http://www.adamplussarahphotography.com Adam Allen

    A friend of mine once pointed out how much she loved bokeh. After that we coined the phrase, “I have a crush on tiny apertures”. And we’ve stuck with it since.

  • http://jamieraephotography.blogspot.com jamie

    that first shot is ammmaazing!! :)