SUMMARY

Brenda Bergreen explains that background blur is determined by four variables: camera-to-subject distance, subject-to-background distance, focal length, and aperture. She demonstrates that by adjusting these factors, photographers can achieve significant background separation even without a wide aperture. This understanding empowers photographers to achieve desired effects regardless of their gear limitations or specific shooting conditions.

TAKEAWAYS

Background blur is influenced by camera distance, subject placement, focal length, and aperture.

Moving closer to the subject increases background blur.

Increasing the distance between the subject and background also enhances blur.

Longer focal lengths contribute to greater background separation.

RELATED COVERAGE

LensDigest archive

Browse by date

Every published day shows its story count. Select a date to open that edition.

Archive calendar

Loading available editions…