Blurring something on a picture is a skill that can come in handy for various reasons. Whether you want to protect someone’s privacy or add an artistic touch to your images, knowing how to blur something on a picture can elevate your photography game. In this blog post, we will delve into different methods that you can use to achieve this effect on your iPhone. We will explore both built-in options as well as third-party apps that offer more advanced features. So, if you’re ready to take your photo editing skills to the next level, let’s get started!
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Blur Something on a Picture
There are several reasons why you might need to blur something on a picture. Let’s take a look at a few common scenarios:
1. Privacy Protection: Sometimes, you may capture a moment that involves people who would prefer not to be identified. Blurring their faces or any other identifying features can help protect their privacy while still preserving the essence of the image.
2. Highlighting the Subject: Blurring the background or surrounding elements can bring more attention to the main subject of your photo. This technique is commonly used in portrait photography to create a shallow depth of field or to draw focus to a specific object.
3. Artistic Effects: Adding a blur effect can create a sense of movement, depth, or mystery in your photographs. It can turn an ordinary image into a visually captivating masterpiece that tells a story.
Now that we understand the importance of blurring something on a picture, let’s explore the different methods you can use on your iPhone.
Method 1: Using the Native Photos App
The Photos app on your iPhone offers a simple yet effective way to blur something on a picture. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone and select the image you want to edit.
2. Tap on the “Edit” button at the top right corner of the screen.
3. Once in editing mode, tap on the “…” (three dots) button and choose the “Markup” option.
4. Tap on the “+” button at the bottom right corner and select the “Blur” option from the menu.
5. Now, using your finger or Apple Pencil, draw over the area you want to blur. You can adjust the size of the blur brush by sliding your finger up or down on the screen.
6. After blurring the desired area, tap on “Done” to save your changes.
Pros:
– Convenient and readily available on all iPhones.
– No need to install any additional apps.
– Offers basic blur functionality.
Cons:
– Limited control over the degree of blur.
– Only provides a circular brush for blurring, which may not be suitable for all image elements.
Method 2: Using Snapseed
Snapseed is a popular photo editing app that offers more advanced editing features, including customizable blur options. Follow these steps to blur something on a picture using Snapseed:
1. Download and install the Snapseed app from the App Store if you haven’t already.
2. Open the app and select the image you want to edit from your photo library.
3. Tap on the “Tools” icon at the bottom of the screen and choose the “Lens Blur” option.
4. Use your finger to draw an outline around the area you want to keep in focus.
5. Adjust the blur strength and transition by using the sliders on the side.
6. Tap on the checkmark icon to apply the blur effect and save your edited image.
Pros:
– Offers more control over the blur effect with customizable options.
– Provides additional editing tools for enhancing your photos.
– User-friendly interface with intuitive controls.
Cons:
– Requires downloading and installing a separate app.
– May take some time to learn the various features and options.
Method 3: Using AfterFocus
AfterFocus is another dedicated app for achieving professional-looking blur effects on your iPhone photos. Here’s how you can use it:
1. Install the AfterFocus app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and select the image you want to edit.
3. Use the “Smart” option to automatically detect the main subject and apply foreground and background blur.
4. If needed, use the manual blur function to define the areas yourself by drawing lines on the screen.
5. Adjust the blur strength and background opacity to fine-tune the effect.
6. Tap on the checkmark icon to apply the blurring and save your edited image.
Pros:
– Offers both automatic and manual blur options for greater flexibility.
– Provides a variety of blur effects and filters.
– Allows precise control over the areas you want to blur.
Cons:
– Requires downloading and installing a separate app.
– Free version may have limitations or include ads.
Method 4: Using TouchRetouch
TouchRetouch is a powerful app that specializes in removing unwanted objects from your photos. While it doesn’t have a dedicated blur feature, it can still be used creatively to achieve a similar effect. Here’s how:
1. Download and install the TouchRetouch app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and select the image you want to edit.
3. Use the “Lasso” tool to draw around the area you want to blur.
4. Tap on the “Go” button to remove the selected area.
5. After removing the area, use the “Clone” tool to blend the surrounding pixels and create a smooth blur effect.
6. Save your edited image.
Pros:
– Powerful tool for removing unwanted objects from photos.
– Can be used creatively to create a blur effect.
– Intuitive and easy to use.
Cons:
– Requires downloading and installing a separate app.
– Limited control over the degree and shape of the blur.
Bonus Tip:
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your blurring skills on your iPhone:
1. Experiment with Different Blur Types: Try out different blur effects, such as Gaussian blur, motion blur, or radial blur, to achieve various artistic results.
2. Combine Blurring with Other Editing Techniques: Don’t be afraid to explore other photo editing techniques, such as adjusting brightness, contrast, or adding filters, to further enhance your images.
3. Practice and Refine: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at blurring something on a picture. Take the time to experiment with different methods and refine your editing skills.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I blur multiple areas in a single photo?
A: Yes, most photo editing apps allow you to blur multiple areas by repeating the blurring process for each specific region.
Q2: Are there any free apps available for blurring on iPhone?
A: Yes, both Snapseed and AfterFocus offer free versions with basic features. However, they may have limitations or include ads. There are also other free photo editing apps available on the App Store that offer blur options.
Q3: Can I adjust the intensity of the blur after applying it?
A: It depends on the app you’re using. Some apps allow you to adjust the intensity of the blur effect even after applying it, while others require you to undo and redo the blurring process.
Q4: Will blurring something on a picture reduce its overall quality?
A: When done correctly, blurring should not significantly affect the overall quality of the image. However, it’s always a good practice to keep a backup of the original photo in case you need to make further edits.
Q5: Can I blur something on a live photo?
A: Yes, you can blur something on a live photo using the same methods mentioned in this blog post. However, keep in mind that blurring a live photo will turn it into a regular still image.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of blurring something on a picture can elevate your photography skills and open up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you choose to use the built-in options available on the Photos app or explore third-party apps with more advanced features, the key is to practice and experiment with different techniques. So go ahead, grab your iPhone, and start perfecting your blurring skills today!