Lens blur not applying the way the preview shows

[martin]

Hi there, I'm using photoshop cs5.1 and I'm trying to apply a lens blur filter to my image,
but when i apply the filter its different to what the preview is showing me. I've also selected 'more accurate' preview but its not changing anything.
I've uploaded some images to show, any help much appreciated thanks, Martin

what the preview is showing me (what i would like):


what i get once filter is applied:

 

[IamSam]

Hello and welcome to PSG.

In order to preserve the integrity of the threads, if at all possible, we ask that you upload all images directly to PSG and not use a hosting site unless the image is too large for our forum.

Both of your images appear to be the same. I don't see any differences.

 

[fredfish]

If it helps Sam the area of blur is less in the second picture - probably most noticible on the bags to the left of the tunnel.

Cheers

John

 

[martin]

Hello and welcome to PSG.

In order to preserve the integrity of the threads, if at all possible, we ask that you upload all images directly to PSG and not use a hosting site unless the image is too large for our forum.

Hi IamSam, thanks for the reply and welcome!
i totally understand and agree, i'll edit my post and upload directly to the site

Both of your images appear to be the same. I don't see any differences.

I've uploaded some close ups for a better look,
the gradient of the preview image (first image) continues more towards the track, which is what I'm looking for.



image once filter is applied:


,thanks again, Martin

 

[martin]

original images:


image after blur filter:

 

[martin]

If it helps Sam the area of blur is less in the second picture - probably most noticible on the bags to the left of the tunnel.

Cheers

John

Hey John, Help Me lol xD, na nice to meet ya tho

 

[fredfish]

I really wish I knew a definitive answer - I can only give you my opinion of what it might be.

I suspect it has something to do with the fact that you are applying the filter based on the layer mask which has a gradient - obviously where the gradient is active there is blurring where the black meets white (on the mask I mean) and then you are also setting a radius for the fill of 35. I guess that you have but have you tried playing with that value or alternatively create a mask with a sharp black line on it ans let the blur filter handle blurring the edges.

Just a thought.

Cheers

John

 

[IamSam]

If it helps Sam the area of blur is less in the second picture - probably most noticible on the bags to the left of the tunnel.

Sorry guys........this is all I can see in the first post....even when clicking the links.

 

[IamSam]

@martin I'm so unfamiliar with CS5 that I can't be of much help. The blur should be uniform across the entire image. As John pointed out, the layer mask and it's gradient seems to be the problem. How is the gradient applied to the layer mask?

 

[martin]

@martin I'm so unfamiliar with CS5 that I can't be of much help. The blur should be uniform across the entire image. As John pointed out, the layer mask and it's gradient seems to be the problem. How is the gradient applied to the layer mask?

thanks sam, yeah i think you might be right, I've been following this video, on how i applied the gradient to the layer mask:

is there a way you would go about achieving the tilt shift miniature look?
thanks again sam, martin

 

[martin]

I really wish I knew a definitive answer - I can only give you my opinion of what it might be.

I suspect it has something to do with the fact that you are applying the filter based on the layer mask which has a gradient - obviously where the gradient is active there is blurring where the black meets white (on the mask I mean) and then you are also setting a radius for the fill of 35. I guess that you have but have you tried playing with that value or alternatively create a mask with a sharp black line on it ans let the blur filter handle blurring the edges.

Just a thought.

Cheers

John

Thats no problem pal, thanks for helping, thats a good idea,'ll give it a go.
is there a way you would go about achieving the tilt shift miniature look?
I've seen with cs6 there is a tilt shift blur filter, i might give cs6 a go.

i'll upload an original image for anyone to have a go at it.
thanks again, martin

 

[IamSam]

I see now, thanks. Instread of the gradient tool, you might try something different.

What I would try is to use the Brush Tool to create the gradient on the layer mask.

Open your image and duplicate it.
Apply the Lens Blur to the duplicated layer. ( Note: I would make this layer a smart object so I could use the smart Gaussian blur filter and the layer mask it generates......this makes editing the blur very easy. )
Apply a layer mask to the duplicated layer.
Choose your Brush Tool and a soft round brush.
Set your brush settings Flow %1 and to the color of black.

Click on the layer mask to select.
Begin brushing.

 

[martin]

I see now, thanks. Instread of the gradient tool, you might try something different.

What I would try is to use the Brush Tool to create the gradient on the layer mask.

Open your image and duplicate it.
Apply the Lens Blur to the duplicated layer. ( Note: I would make this layer a smart object so I could use the smart Gaussian blur filter and the layer mask it generates......this makes editing the blur very easy. )
Apply a layer mask to the duplicated layer.
Choose your Brush Tool and a soft round brush.
Set your brush settings Flow %1 and to the color of black.

Click on the layer mask to select.
Begin brushing.

View attachment 79533
View attachment 79534

thats excellent, seems like i can be alot more specific with the blur than the other way, thanks so much pal