Depth of Field in Photoshop

Anyone who looks at this blog can tell right away that I'm not a photographer. I wish I was, and I'm trying to make my photos easier on the eyes.

I've discovered the "Depth of Field" feature in guided editing option of  Photoshop Elements 10...and I LOVE it! It's a very easy way to highlight (or visually bring forward) the part of your image that you want people to see while blurring the rest of the image slightly.

After you open the image you want to work with, select "Guided" over on the right side of the screen under the "Edit" option. Depth of Field should be under the "Lens Effects" option.

After clicking onto the Depth of Field option, two choices will pop up. One is "Simple" while the other is "Custom". I find Custom much easier to work with for some reason. In the Custom choice, just click on the "Quick Selection Tool" little button thingy. This will allow you to select the part of your image that you don't want to blur out. After you've made your selection, click on "Add Blur" and the background of your image will magically blur! Hurray!!

The lovely flowers are on my pear tree. : )

~A Photoshop Miracle~

I DO believe in miracles!

It is truly a miracle that I was able to create my own blog header using Photoshop Elements. I mean really! What ever happened to the days when they used to include an instruction manual with the software? Who knew that you have to be a computer wizzard in order to use this program? No one warned me. There should be a warning on the box.

I've used simple photo editing sofwares in the past, but I'm at a point were I'd like to be able to do more interesting things with my photos. You know, make them look a bit more professional, although a I am no where near a professional photographer. I'm sure you can tell!

Anyway, not to be boastfull here....but.....I did figure out enough Photoshop magic to creat the banner. All by myself. I couldn't be more proud! I have since purchased a book on Photoshop which should be helpful as I move along.

My hat is off to all of you who are able to transform your pitcures with this software. You have my utmost respect!!

Happy Day!
Tracy