![\"Focus](\"https:\/\/www.yourscrappingcafe.com\/home\/d19521157\/public_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/GemmaRecitalsmaller.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhile I highlighted one little dancer\u2026the rest of the photo is still distracting. At least to me. And that\u2019s exactly what I want to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you struggle with situations like this\u2026I have a solution! I found a way to frame or highlight my subject, keep the original photo, but blur out all the distracting parts. I love the results. I think you will too. Let’s take a look at this technique to focus on your<\/em> “star”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the spirit of full disclosure, I\u2019m going to be upfront & honest. I did not think of this idea all by myself. I learned how to do this years ago working on a challenge layout. The challenge host provided a template. I used that template at the time but have since come up with another way to do the same thing (and a modified template). I love using this technique! Especially when the photo isn\u2019t exactly \u201cthe best\u201d. And I don\u2019t always need the template!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before I get started just a quick reminder that I use Photoshop Elements (PSE) 2024. If you use a different version, some of my screen shots may look different than what you see on your screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m going to start with what I call the Frame & Focus option. And I\u2019m going to use the template I created based on what I learned in that challenge I mentioned above. It\u2019s certainly not necessary to use the template it just makes it go quicker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not a template user\u2026no worries. I\u2019ll show you how to accomplish the same effect without a template a little further along in this post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The template is set up to use a standard 6\u201d x 4\u201d (landscape) photo. It certainly can be easily rotated to accommodate a portrait-oriented photo if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> If you want to follow along all you have to do is click here<\/a><\/strong> or on the image below and the template will be automatically downloaded for you. This template is in PSD format. If you can\u2019t use this format, please message me<\/a><\/strong> and I will help you get a TIFF file instead.<\/p>\n\n\n When I open my Blur & Focus template in PSE, it looks exactly like the image you see above:<\/p>\n\n\n And here is what the Layers Panel looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n You may have noticed that the \u201cphoto spot\u201d looks similar to a polaroid frame. But the template also includes an option for a simple rectangular frame which is the first layer in the Layers Panel (should be hidden when you open this template). You will also see a layer for a Brightness Adjustment layer directly above the Background<\/em><\/strong> layer (also hidden and named Adjust Opacity for brightness<\/em><\/strong>). I\u2019ll explain both of these layers in a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With my Blur & Focus template open in PSE, I drag my photo into the file just above the Background<\/em><\/strong> layer:<\/p>\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> This beach picnic<\/a><\/strong> photo is from Pixabay. You can use any photo that you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That photo covers that Background<\/em><\/strong> layer completely which is perfect. If the photo you\u2019re using doesn\u2019t cover the Background<\/em><\/strong> layer, re-size it as necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, I duplicate the photo and move it in the Layers Panel so that it is directly above the Polaroid Frame<\/em><\/strong> layer. I then clip the photo to the Polaroid Frame<\/em><\/strong> layer:<\/p>\n\n\n Since I want to highlight the \u201ccamp fire\u201d on that beach picnic, that photo spot is almost exactly where I need it to be. But I do need to move it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, I click on the Polaroid Frame<\/em><\/strong> layer in the Layers Panel:<\/p>\n\n\n Notice that all of the necessary photo spot layers are linked together (Simple Frame<\/em><\/strong>, Polaroid Frame<\/em><\/strong>, Frame<\/em><\/strong> & Frame Drop Shadow<\/em><\/strong>) and they will all move as one unit. All I have to do now is move the photo spot to the section of the photo I want to highlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very Important<\/strong>…Do not<\/em> select the duplicate photo layer when moving the photo spot! Both photo layers must remain in their original positions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the photo spot in place, I could also re-size the photo spot to better fit the portion of the photo I want to highlight. In this particular case, the size is fine:<\/p>\n\n\n Before I move on to the blurring step, I\u2019m going to show you how to switch to the \u201csimple\u201d frame. It\u2019s really easy. All I have to do is unhide the Simple Frame<\/em><\/strong> layer. Then in the Layers Panel I need to move the duplicate photo layer above the Simple Frame<\/em><\/strong> layer and clip the photo to that layer:<\/p>\n\n\n I actually like that better but I may move that frame up just a skosh later. For the rest of this demonstration, I’ll leave it where it is. Now, it\u2019s time to blur the original photo layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the original photo layer active (the one directly above the Background<\/em><\/strong> layer) I go to the top tool bar and select Filter->Blur->Gaussian Blur:<\/p>\n\n\n PSE then opens the Gaussian Blur dialog box:<\/p>\n\n\n The Radius value is set to 10 pixels (at least for me). I can either use the slider or I can just enter a new value in order to set the blur. In general, for most photos in this technique I like a Radius of 15-20 pixels. But every photo is different so there\u2019s nothing concrete here. Feel free to experiment until you’re happy with the amount of blur on your particular photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today I went with 15 pixels, clicked OK to accept and here\u2019s the result:<\/p>\n\n\n There is only one thing left to do! I\u2019ve included that Adjust Opacity<\/em><\/strong> layer that can be applied to the original photo layer. This layer comes set with a Blend mode of Soft Light and an Opacity of 50%. Those can both be changed. I would recommend that you not mess with the Blend Mode other than to see what changes the other modes will cause. I have found over the years that Soft Light generally works out the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply adjust the Opacity on that layer to make it brighter or darker. Higher Opacity values (such as 80%) will tend to make the background also appear a bit blurrier in addition to lighter\u2026at least in my experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I did go with 80% today and here is the final result:<\/p>\n\n\n That\u2019s it! Have some fun with this template & play away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those of you who do not like (or lack the capability) to use a template, this technique can be accomplished very simply using an alternate method. I\u2019ll explain this very briefly\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n I can accomplish the exact same effect achieved in the steps above by simply pulling a photo into either a blank (or white) 12×12 file in PSE or just opening the photo directly in PSE. I typically wouldn\u2019t start with the photo alone but you can do that\u2026just make sure you have a duplicate copy of the original photo saved somewhere safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let me show the rest of the steps quickly. Here\u2019s the photo in a 12×12 file with a white background:<\/p>\n\n\n Next, I\u2019m going to bring in a frame. I\u2019m using one of my frame creations that is a \u201cstandby\u201d for me when I\u2019m not working on a particular layout. But any frame is fine. And I position the frame in the orientation I want it over my photo:<\/p>\n\n\n Then using the Rectangle Tool, I draw a square\/rectangle to cover the frame\u2019s opening and layer that beneath my frame. This becomes my photo spot:<\/p>\n\n\n Next, I make a duplicate of my photo and layer it between the frame and the photo spot I just created. And I clip that duplicate photo to the photo spot:<\/p>\n\n\n Now all I have to do is follow the same steps as above to apply the blur to the original photo:<\/p>\n\n\n Then I can add whatever shadows I like and I end up with nearly the same final result as what I had above:<\/p>\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> I did use some custom shadows I created specifically for this \u201cgo to\u201d frame of mine. You can shadow your frame any way that suits your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to include a brightness adjustment layer similar to what is included in my template all you have to do is create a new layer directly above the original photo layer and fill it with a very pale-yellow color (#f8fae6). Clip it to the photo, set the Blend Mode to Soft Light and the Opacity to 50% as a starting point:<\/p>\n\n\n And there you have it a focus and blur effect without a template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, way back near the top of this post I showed a picture from a dance recital. Well, a slightly different version of that picture was used in a layout:<\/p>\n\n\n You can see more details about this layout in my 2025 gallery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I still have more to show you. But, this post (as many do) got longer than I’d hoped. I decided rather than inundate you with more “distractions” it may be best for me to continue the discussion next week. So, keep an eye out for that post where I\u2019ll show you how to Focus & Blur without using a frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget, if using the template, you can re-size and reposition the provided photo spot to accentuate the desired part of your photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When applying this technique with or without the template, you can use any frame you want to use. With the template it would just require making the photo spot fit the new frame and applying your own shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you frame your photo\u2019s focal point, remember that you still don\u2019t have to use the entirety of the photo. You can use a clipping mask to \u201chide” part of the photo or you can just crop it to a smaller size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When blurring your background photo be careful that you don\u2019t blur it too much. You really don\u2019t want to end up with a muddy mess behind your focal point \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t be afraid to experiment with using\/adding a \u201cbrightness\u201d adjustment to your blurred photo. Again, be careful not to go too light or too dark as this could affect how your focus shifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you do use the \u201cbrightness\u201d adjustment feel free to play with the Blend Mode. Typically, the blend of Soft Light works best. But as I\u2019ve said, every photo is different so feel free to experiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks for reading this week\u2019s Tuesday Tip. Remember, if you have any suggestions or questions please don\u2019t hesitate to “Message Me<\/a><\/strong>“. Check back next week for part 2 of blurring distractions. Click \u201cFollow Me<\/a><\/strong>\u201d to stay in touch. I hope you have a wonderful week!<\/p>\n\n\nFocus & Blur<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFocus & Blur Template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFocus & Blur \u2013 No Template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nA Few More Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n
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