Trick Photoshop

I had posted a tutorial on bringing focus into an image. The tutorial is here 

This is another way of bringing focus to figures particularly, in Photoshop so that the background ceases to distract. It can be done very easily and no particular expertise is required.

This is a free stock image which you will find here

It belongs to me.

Step 1 : Click the Lasso Tool.

Note that Feather in the top panel is set to 0.

Step 2 : I have drawn a selection around the figure of my cousin with the Lasso Tool. You do not have to be very careful, just ensure that you leave enough space around the figure.

Step 3 : Go to Select>Modify>Feather

Step 4 : Set the Feather Radius to 150 pixels and click OK.

Step 5 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+I to inverse the selection.

Step 6 : Go to Filter>Blur>Lens Blur. (Those using Photoshop 7 will not find Lens Blur. In such a case you can use Gaussian Blur for a similar effect).

Step 7 : In the Lens Blur dialogue box you will find these controls on the right. The Shape is set to Hexagon by default. I have changed it to Heptagon. Click OK.

 Photoshop applies the Lens Blur.

Step 8 : Press CTRL+F to reapply the Lens Blur. Photoshop reapplies it. A progress bar appears.

Step 9 : Press CTRL+D to deselect. The marching ants selection goes away. The figure is now in much better focus. That is all.

Other photoshop tutorials are here 

If you have a photoshop question or want a particular tutorial please email me at pradip.chowdhury@gmail.com