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This article will show you how to Blur Background Photo In Lightroom. When it comes to blurring background photos in Lightroom, a normal user of Lightroom Classic CC has access to a wide variety of specialised features. Specifically, this is due to the fact that the majority of Lightroom Classic CC users work with powerful DSLR cameras that enable them to readily use lenses that provide a short depth of field. In the process of taking a photograph, we are not always able to blur the specific portion of the photograph that we want to blur. With the camera, we have a limited amount of control.
It is possible that you may need to learn how to blur the backdrop in Lightroom if you have not correctly set the depth of field or if your lens does not offer those features. With the help of blurring the background, you may help bring attention to the subject of your photograph and create depth to the overall picture. You might be surprised to see how simple it is to blur the background in Lightroom in a way that appears natural. These are the most effective methods for drawing attention to your topic while simultaneously blurring the backdrop (or foreground). Here are the ways how to Blur Background Photo In Lightroom.
Blur Background Photo In Lightroom: 3 Simple Ways
Using the Adjustment Brush

- Select the Adjustment Brush tool from the toolbar.
- Set the Effect to Clarity or Sharpness.
- Set the Amount to a negative value, such as -50 or -100, to blur the background.
- Adjust the brush size, feather, and density to match the size of the area you want to blur.
- Brush over the areas you want to blur.
Using the Gradient Filter
- Select the Graduated Filter tool from the toolbar.
- Click and drag a gradient from the foreground to the background of your photo.
- Set the Effect to Clarity or Sharpness.
- Set the Amount to a negative value, such as -50 or -100, to blur the background.
- Adjust the Feather and Density sliders to refine the blur effect.
Using the Texture Slider
- Open the Develop module.
- In the Basic panel, find the Texture slider.
- Move the Texture slider to the left to blur the background.
- Adjust the Clarity and Sharpness sliders to fine-tune the blur effect.
Importance of Background Blur in Photos
- Focus on the topic: Bokeh, which is another name for background blur, helps separate the topic from the background. By removing the background, the focus is on the main subject, which stands out.
- Professional Aesthetics: Background blur is a common way for professional photographers to make their work look clean and nice. It gives pictures a bit of class, making them look more refined and appealing to the eye.
- Depth and Dimension: Blurring the background gives the picture a sense of depth. This depth gives the picture a three-dimensional look that makes it more interesting and engaging to look at.
- Getting rid of distractions: A background that is too busy or crowded can take attention away from the photo’s main subject. Background blur helps get rid of distractions so the watcher can focus on the subject without being too distracted by the background.
- Background blur is not only a technical part of photography, but it can also be used as a way to show yourself as an artist. Different amounts of blur can help photographers show mood, draw attention to certain parts of a scene, or make the whole thing feel dreamy.
- Versatility in Photography Styles: Background blur can be used in a variety of photography styles, such as headshots, macro shots, and even some types of landscapes. It gives photographers more options and lets them be artistic in a wider range of styles.
- Notes on Bokeh: Bokeh, the out-of-focus spots of light that are made by blurring the background, can give a picture a magical and enchanting look. This is especially clear when taking pictures at night or in low light.
Best Lightroom Alternatives
Skylum Luminar
Skylum Luminar has been a popular RAW photo editor for many years. In 2018, it added digital asset management features, making it one of the best alternatives to Lightroom. Since then, more AI-powered image enhancement filters have been added to Skylum Luminar, making it a real competitor to Lightroom. For instance, Accent AI will look at a photo and figure out automatically the best changes to make.
These kinds of tools are great for beginners who want to find a good substitute for Lightroom. A lot of attention is also paid to presets and one-click edits, which will help you get used to the programme. Those with more experience don’t have to miss out, though, because there are advanced editing tools for those who want more control.
Capture One Pro
Capture One Pro is a good alternative to Lightroom because it has a lot of the same features and can also do some things that Photoshop can do, like use layers. If you’re always adding more photos to your library and don’t want to lose track of them, you can organise them by sessions instead of just catalogues, and you can even write notes on photos directly.
Since Phase One has always made high-end cameras, the software has benefited from the same focus on high-end rendering quality. Because of this, the platform used to be very expensive, but now the price is about the same as Lightroom’s.
DxO
One of the best alternatives to Lightroom on our list is Photo Lab by DxO. After Lightroom and Capture One, this is the third professional editing programme. We like that all of the tools for editing are in the same place. With other software, it can take a lot of time to look all over for a certain editing tool. With this feature, you don’t have to.
The interface is easy to use and responds very quickly. Its noise reduction feature is considered to be its best tool. This alternative to Lightroom comes with the plugins from the Nik Collection. It’s a great bonus that comes with 7 unique and professional presets for your photos. It also has some extra features, such as Lightroom. One of them is the Automatic Repair tool, which is a copy of the Spot Removal tool.
Conclusion
There is a possibility that you will be somewhat dissatisfied with the results that you obtain when you search for “how to blur background in Lightroom.” Considering that blurring backgrounds is such a fundamental technique in photography, it is logical to assume that Lightroom would have options that are practical and can assist in achieving this appearance.
Questions and Answers
An appealing blur effect can be applied to any region of your photograph using the Lens Blur tool that is included in Lightroom Classic. Using an experience that is both interactive and customisable, you can effortlessly apply optical blur and bokeh to your photographs. Because Adobe Sensei is used to create a depth map of the image, the effect has the ability to blur either the background or the foreground.
Through the use of the Blur tool, you are able to apply a blur effect to particular regions of an image. You should use the Blur tool. Make use of the Options bar to personalise the settings of the tool, such as the Size, Hardness, and Strength, in order to achieve the desired result. To blur a portion of the image, click and drag over the relevant area of the picture.
You may use the Blur tool for more than just retouching photographs. You can make a creative background for text, product photographs, or your device wallpaper by arranging graphics on your canvas and applying a blur. This will allow you to design new backgrounds.
Sliding vertically will bring up the edit menu, which allows you to make additional edits. To improve an option after it has been selected, swipe horizontally across the screen. Included on the menu are: Reduce the Strength Make a swipe to the right to increase the intensity of the blur effect.