What To Know
- It all boils down to depth of field (DOF), which refers to the range of distance in front of and behind your subject that appears acceptably sharp in your photo.
- A shallow DOF, where only a narrow range is in focus, results in a blurred background.
- For achieving the best background blur on your Canon 700D, consider investing in a prime lens with a wide aperture, such as a 50mm f/1.
Are you tired of your photos looking flat and uninspiring? Do you crave that professional, dreamy look with a beautifully blurred background? If you own a Canon 700D, you’re in luck! This versatile camera is capable of achieving stunning background blur, also known as bokeh, with a little know-how. This guide will walk you through the essential techniques and settings to master the art of background blur on your Canon 700D.
Understanding Depth of Field and Bokeh
Before diving into the practical aspects, let’s clarify the concepts behind background blur. It all boils down to depth of field (DOF), which refers to the range of distance in front of and behind your subject that appears acceptably sharp in your photo. A shallow DOF, where only a narrow range is in focus, results in a blurred background.
Bokeh, on the other hand, describes the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in your image. Smooth, pleasing bokeh adds a dreamy, artistic touch to your photos. Achieving beautiful bokeh depends on several factors, including the lens you use, the aperture setting, and the distance between your camera and subject.
Essential Gear for Background Blur
While your Canon 700D is capable of producing blur, the right lens plays a crucial role. Here’s a breakdown of lens types and their impact on background blur:
- Prime Lenses: These lenses have a fixed focal length and generally offer wider apertures (lower f-numbers) compared to zoom lenses. This ability to open up the aperture significantly contributes to shallow DOF and stunning bokeh.
- Zoom Lenses: These lenses provide flexibility by offering a range of focal lengths. While some zoom lenses can achieve decent background blur, they often have narrower apertures than prime lenses, limiting their bokeh potential.
For achieving the best background blur on your Canon 700D, consider investing in a prime lens with a wide aperture, such as a 50mm f/1.8 or an 85mm f/1.8. These lenses are affordable and provide excellent results for portraits, close-ups, and low-light photography.
Setting the Stage for Blur: Camera Settings
Now, let’s explore the camera settings that directly influence background blur:
- Aperture (f-stop): This setting controls the size of the lens opening, directly impacting DOF. A wider aperture (lower f-number, e.g., f/1.8) creates a shallower DOF, leading to more prominent background blur. Conversely, a smaller aperture (higher f-number, e.g., f/16) results in a deeper DOF with less background blur.
- Focal Length: Longer focal lengths (e.g., 85mm) generally produce shallower DOF compared to shorter focal lengths (e.g., 35mm). This means that longer lenses tend to create more pronounced background blur.
- Distance to Subject: The closer you are to your subject, the shallower the DOF becomes, resulting in a more blurred background. Conversely, moving further away from your subject deepens the DOF, reducing background blur.
Mastering the Art of Manual Mode
While your Canon 700D offers various shooting modes, for optimal control over background blur, manual mode (M) is your best friend. This mode allows you to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO independently, giving you complete creative freedom.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using manual mode for background blur:
1. Select Manual Mode (M): Choose the “M” setting on your camera’s mode dial.
2. Choose Your Aperture: Select a wide aperture (low f-number) to create a shallow DOF and blur the background. Start with f/1.8 or f/2.8 and experiment to find the desired level of blur.
3. Adjust Shutter Speed: The shutter speed controls how long the shutter stays open, influencing the amount of light entering the camera. Adjust the shutter speed to achieve a well-exposed image based on the chosen aperture and available light.
4. Set ISO: ISO determines the camera’s sensitivity to light. Adjust the ISO as needed to compensate for changes in light conditions.
Techniques for Achieving Stunning Bokeh
Beyond the basic settings, here are some techniques to enhance your background blur:
- Isolate Your Subject: Position your subject against a cluttered or busy background. This contrast will highlight the subject and emphasize the blur effect.
- Use Natural Light: Natural light often produces softer, more pleasing bokeh than artificial light. Try shooting outdoors in open shade or during the golden hours for the best results.
- Experiment with Lens Bokeh: Different lenses produce different bokeh patterns. Some lenses create smooth, circular bokeh, while others produce more unique shapes. Experiment with different lenses to find your favorite bokeh style.
- Blur the Background with Post-Processing: If you’re not satisfied with the background blur in your photos, you can use software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to further blur the background after shooting.
A Final Word: Embrace the Creative Process
Mastering background blur on your Canon 700D is a journey of experimentation and exploration. Don’t be afraid to try different settings, lenses, and compositions to find what works best for you. The beauty of photography lies in its ability to express your unique vision, and background blur is a powerful tool to enhance your storytelling and creativity.
Beyond the Blur: Tips for Success
- Practice Makes Perfect: The best way to improve your background blur skills is to practice regularly. Shoot in different lighting conditions, with various subjects, and experiment with different settings.
- Learn from Others: Explore online resources, photography blogs, and tutorials to learn from experienced photographers and discover new techniques.
- Join a Photography Community: Connect with other photographers, share your work, and get feedback to enhance your skills.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Can I achieve background blur with a kit lens?
Yes, you can achieve some background blur with a kit lens, but it will be less pronounced than with a prime lens. Kit lenses often have narrower apertures, limiting their ability to create shallow DOF.
2. How do I know if the background is blurred enough?
The ideal level of background blur depends on your personal preference and the subject of your photo. Experiment with different aperture settings and observe how the background blur changes.
3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when shooting with background blur?
- Not using a wide enough aperture: Ensure you’re using a wide aperture (low f-number) to create a shallow DOF.
- Not focusing properly: Ensure your subject is in sharp focus to avoid blurry areas where they should be sharp.
- Shooting in too much light: Bright light can make it difficult to achieve a shallow DOF. Try shooting in open shade or during the golden hours.
4. Can I blur the background after taking the photo?
Yes, you can use software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to blur the background after shooting. However, it’s generally better to achieve as much blur as possible during the shooting process for the best results.
5. What are some creative ways to use background blur?
You can use background blur to:
- Isolate your subject and draw attention to them.
- Create a sense of depth and dimension in your photos.
- Add a dreamy or romantic feel to your images.
- Emphasize the subject’s texture and details.
- Abstract the background and create a more artistic composition.
