How can I make the background out of focus in my digital photos?

Question

I have a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T5 but no manual. . .

I want to keep the subject in focus but the background out of focus. . .

Answer 1

Digicams have small sensors coupled with wide angle lenses (although the wide lenses don't have a wide field of view on a digicam) This translates to greater depth of field at all focal lengths. Macro mode will have the least DOF, but macro is not useful for taking portraits. Putting your subject closer to you and the background as far away as possible, and zooming as far telephoto as you can (optically) will reduce DOF somewhat.

To render shallow DOF, you need a SLR or dSLR and a decent lens.

Answer 2

1. Take the picture as per normal
2. Use Picasa2 - a freeware to digital-touch it with the "blur" special effects.
3. Very easy to use. Just select area you want "sharp" and the rest is blurred.

The best way is to digital-touch it with Picasa2. A freeware digital photo software. Its great ! You can decide the area and size of the "blur".
Download it @ http://www.geocities.com/lcming/Digitalphotography

Answer 3

If you can change your aperture, put it on the widest available (smallest f number). If you have different modes, try portrait or closeup. If all else fails, use your telephoto and focus on the nearest object. That should throw your background out of focus.

Answer 4

you cant manually set the aperture on your camera if im thinking of the right one. but setting the camera on to high speed shutter mode may help, then the camera will want the biggest aperture (lowest F number) so it can get the most light in. not sure if it will work but try it and look on you screen to see if it sets a low f-number.

Answer 5

Take a picture of me

Answer 6

it might be helpful to zoom out??? dude you dont need directions that stuff is easy (either the "w" or 'T' button...