I would like a blurred background?

[pixiedust_photo]

I would like to start taking photos but having the background around my clients sorta blurry.

I have a Canon 50D so I am thinking I have to it on the highest F# right?

Christine

[BryanC]

As in having a shallower depth of field? Or a post production effect applied?

[divejunky]

I'm not sure what you mean when you say " highest F stop" but what you need is the widest F stop / aperture, not sure what your lens will go to ,but somewhere around 2.8 to 4 should get the effect you're after, if your lens only opens up to 5.6 the blurring will be minimal, try to get a large distance between your subject and the background for good effect

[pixiedust_photo]

Bryan--I never thought of which way. I would assume during my photo shoot...

Diva--I can get to 5.6 but also to 11 as well. I have 3 different lens I use.

[BryanC]

A wider aperture (smaller f number) and a closer focal distance will give you a shallower depth of field...blurring what's in front and behind what/who you are focusing on.

Search this site for more detailed help with Depth of Field and related topics...there's some great information here.

[Trader]

To get a blurred background, you will want to set your f stop to the lowest number. Like f/2.8 would be very good. The higher the number the smaller the opening and the greater the depth of field.

[SandeeWig]

Originally Posted by pixiedust_photo

...

Diva--I can get to 5.6 but also to 11 as well. I have 3 different lens I use.

Pixiedust, here's how I remembered it:

small f-number - small depth of field (i.e. blurry)
large f-number - large depth of field (i.e. everything is in focus)

So for blurry, you want as small f-number as you can get. Try practicing on Av mode and select the smallest f-number your lens will allow (it will vary from lens to lens, as well as the focal length you choose).

Use the other advice about getting close to your subject and separating your subject from the background as much as possible. Then take lots of practice shots til you figure out what works best!

Good luck!!

[BryanC]

Originally Posted by SandeeWig

*Quick Note: Depending on your lighting, if it's dim or indoors, the smaller f-number in Av mode may force a longer shutter speed, thus creating motion blur. Therefore, it might be best to practice this outdoors until you get comfortable with it. Good luck!!

A smaller f number means a wider aperture, which lets in more light, which means a shorter shutter speed.

A larger f number means a smaller aperture, which lets less light in, which means a longer shutter speed.

[SandeeWig]

Originally Posted by BryanC

A smaller f number means a wider aperture, which lets in more light, which means a shorter shutter speed.

A larger f number means a smaller aperture, which lets less light in, which means a longer shutter speed.

Thanks, Bryan. Shoulda quit while I was ahead! I'll edit my post to avoid confusion.

[BryanC]

Originally Posted by SandeeWig

Thanks, Bryan. Shoulda quit while I was ahead! I'll edit my post to avoid confusion.

No offense intended...it happens to all of us...