Photoshop tutorial: On-canvas controls for blurs in Photoshop CS6 step-by-step

Photoshop CS6 now boasts on-screen manipulators for controlling blurs. We show you how they work

By Tigz Rice

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Author: Tigz Rice

Tigz Rice is a freelance fashion and glamour photographer, specialising in the burlesque and vintage scenes.

As well as running her own London-based studio, she is both a Wacom and Adobe Influencer, teaching other photographers how to maximise their retouching results.

Intro

You may be familiar with on-screen manipulators for controlling blurs using plug-ins such as Alien Skin’s Bokeh. Now you access such features directly within Photoshop.

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Step 1

You may be familiar with on-screen manipulators for controlling blurs using plug-ins such as Alien Skin’s Bokeh. Now you access such features directly within Photoshop.

Step 2

Go to Filter > Blur > Iris Blur. This will bring up an oval path over the centre of your image, as well as a range of filter manipulation tools on the right of the screen.

Step 3

Drag the centre of the oval to your chosen focal point. To change the size, shape and angle of the blur, click and drag on any of the anchor points on the path until you’re happy with the results.

Step 4

Inside the oval are four white dots which control the gradient of the blur. Drag the dots towards the oval’s centre for a smoother blur, or outward for a harsher effect. You can also control the amount of blur by manipulating the circular dial in the middle of the oval. Once you’re happy, click OK at the top of the screen.

Step 5

Based in London, Tigz is an internationally published photographer and retoucher, specialising in burlesque and cabaret photography. Clients include the London, Paris and Rome Burlesque Festivals, Torture Gardens and the Boom Boom Club.