Whether you use the lens blur filter in Photoshop or a plug-in, creating or enhancing the depth of field through software helps focus the viewer on the subject of your photo.
The depth of field effect can be added in Photoshop with the lens blur filter according to this Photoshop Tutorial, but there are also Photoshop plug-ins with the specific purpose of adding depth of field to your photos.
Alien Skin’s Bokeh Photoshop plug-in manipulates focus just like fast expensive lenses. Bokeh can draw attention to your subject by manipulating focus and depth of field after the shot has been taken. From changing the depth of field to placing a radial sweet spot and adding a vignette, Bokeh provides many techniques for realistic blurring and altering the mood of a scene.
onOne’s FocalPoint Photoshop plug-in gives photographers a way to create realistic depth of field control, plane of focus control and selective focus to any image after it is photographed allowing for more control and precision. The focus bug control in FocalPoint has a tangible, hardware feel much like using a lens. It makes it fast for a photographer to define the “sweet spot” either in a round shape or a plane and then control how much and of what kind of blur they would like to add.
Photoshop CS4 Extended is available at an academic discount price of $299.
Bokeh is available at an academic discount price of $139.
FocalPoint is available at an academic discount price of $79.
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