To apply a custom blur in Photoshop, you can utilize specific tools that allow you to define the area of focus and the degree of blur, such as the Iris Blur found within the Blur Gallery.
Understanding Custom Blur
"Custom blur" typically refers to applying blur selectively or with specific shapes and focal points, rather than blurring the entire image uniformly. Photoshop offers several ways to achieve this, with tools like Iris Blur providing a straightforward method for simulating shallow depth of field.
Using the Iris Blur for a Custom Effect
The Iris Blur tool, part of the Blur Gallery, is designed to create a blur effect that mimics the focus capabilities of a lens, allowing you to define a clear area surrounded by blur. This gives you precise control over where the focus lies and how the blur transitions.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here's how to use the Iris Blur based on the reference:
- In Photoshop, navigate to the top menu bar.
- Go to
Filter - Select
Blur Gallery - Choose
Iris Blurfrom the options.
Once you select Iris Blur, a control overlay will appear on your image.
Manipulating the Blur Area
The Iris Blur control overlay is highly interactive, allowing you to customize the blur effect:
- Focal Point: Click the pin at the centre of the ring and place it on your focal point. This is the area that will remain sharp.
- Blur Area Shape: The default shape is an ellipse. Click and drag single points around the ellipse to elongate or change its shape.
- Blur Area Size: Drag the outer line of the ellipse to resize the blur area.
- Blur Transition: Inner points allow you to control the transition from sharp to full blur.
- Blur Amount: Adjust the "Blur" slider in the Blur Gallery panel to control the intensity of the effect.
After setting up the blur area and intensity, click "OK" in the Blur Gallery options bar to apply the effect to your layer.
Using tools like Iris Blur allows for a highly customizable blur that you can tailor precisely to your image's needs, making certain areas stand out while softly blurring others.
