I would like to simulate depth of field with graduated gaussen blur

[Bob Wolfe]

Is there a way to use the gradient tool and gaussen blur to create a mild to strong blur similar to a close up photo with a camera lens opened up to reduce depth of field? I am trying to take product shots for a brochure and want to gradually blur the background. Any help is appreciated. thanks Bob

[Chuck Snyder]

Bob, here's one way to do it - it involves using a Fill Layer as a mask,
something that gets around some limitations of Elements to do layer masking:

1. Open your image
2. Duplicate the Background Layer (Layer>Duplicate Layer)
3. Apply the maximum Gaussian blur you want in your graduated image to this
duplicate layer.
4. In the Layers palette, go back to the Background layer, then add a Fill
Layer (Layer<New Fill Layer<Color White)
5. In the Layers palette, point at the blurred layer and do a Layer<Group
with Previous.
6. Point at the Fill Layer and use the gradient tool, black to white,
radial, to paint on the Fill Layer mask. (You actually manipulate the
gradient on the full image display, not on layer mask itself. You should
find that wherever the mask is black, the unblurred background (bottom)
layer will show through; wherever it's white, the blur will be complete, and
shades of gray change the amount of blurring.

I'm running out the door, so I wrote this fast; hopefully, it'll work as
described. Please get back with more questions.

Chuck

[Eric Matthes]

Chuck,
I tried to figure this out this morning, and could not get it. I tried your method now, and got it to work. I like it! I think I get why it works. You create a background, of any color, and put a mask over that background color. Then you link it to the blurred image above. Since the blurred image is above the background fill layer, it shows over the background color. But the grouping links the mask to both the background color and the blurred image?
As I learn Elements, I am trying to understand specifically how Photoshop 7 is more powerful than Elements. In PS7, can you make a mask directly on any layer, like you can on the adjustment layers in Elements?

[Chuck Snyder]

Eric, re PS7, yes, you can add a mask to any layer, not just adjustment or
fill layers. But it's kinda fun to work around the limitation in Elements.
I'll admit to not understanding why the grouped layer approach works, but it
does; in effect, the Fill layer is just acting as a sort of mask for the
layer above. Elements is so much fun!!

:-)

Chuck

[Bob Wolfe]

Chuck,
Thank you for your help. I tried it and it works perfectly. I was able to repeat the whole process and blur the front of the image as well as behind. The pictures look great. Thanks Again Bob

[Chuck Snyder]

Bob, whew! I wrote that note so fast I was afraid I had left out something
critical.... Glad it worked!

Chuck