How to use LENS BLUR in Adobe LIGHTROOM CLASSIC

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Lens Blur In Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic
The latest version of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic includes a groundbreaking new feature called Lens Blur. This AI-powered tool tackles a difficult challenge - reducing the areas in sharp focus after an image has been captured - with surprising finesse on certain images. In this video tutorial, we’ll dive into all of the Lens Blur tools new capabilities.
Smartphone Snapshots Reclaimed
Unlike DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, all of the smartphones available today are built with fixed-aperture lenses. Since the aperture cannot be changed on these devices, we have no way to control the depth of field in our images at the moment of capture. This often leads to cluttered images where every element, from foreground to background, fights for your visual attention.
This is where Lightroom’s Lens Blur tool really shines. This AI-powered tool in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic v.13 analyzes your image and creates a Depth Map. Once the AI has finished identifying the subject, it automatically applies the blur effect onto what it believes are the background areas in your image. With a simple click on the “Apply” lens blur button, you can instantly transform a cluttered snapshot into a captivating photograph with a professional feel.
When AI Needs a Helping Hand
Lens Blur isn’t just a one-click wonder. For those seeking more precision, the “Blur Amount” slider offers granular control. In addition, the “Visualize Depth” option reveals the AI’s interpretation of your scene. Warm tones denote near objects, while cool hues mark the distant reaches. Revealing the Depth Map helps when you want to fine-tune the “Focal Range” and precisely position the area where the simulated lens blur should land.
While Lightroom’s AI Lens Blur algorithms excel in many scenarios, they stumble in other scenes. There are times when adding blur requires a human touch. Fortunately Adobe has given us a way to take complete control over the Lens Blur process. It is clucky but with enough Brush strokes, you can manually paint over all of the areas where you want to add, or remove blur, ensuring the finished product aligns with your artistic vision.
The Future
Lens Blur is still experimental and Adobe welcomes your feedback. Even in its infancy, I see great potential in this tool and as this technology evolves, I believe that we will see more accurate depth detection and even more realistic blur effects in the near future!
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:35 Lens Blur In Lightroom Classic
02:05 Focal Range & Depth Map
06:17 Brush Refinement
10:45 Lens Bokeh
12:50 Conclusion
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[@NP_Ranch]

Thanks, great video. I’ve been using this tool with great results. The video cleared up all the grey areas.

[@FocusPhotoSchool]

Glad to hear that you found this helpful and that it filled in some of those grey areas.

[@amirparsamokhtari]

This Learn Need 1M like, Thank you dear.

[@FocusPhotoSchool]

Thanks a million

[@AlliWiltshire]

Thank you so much!

[@FocusPhotoSchool]

Your welcome and happy new year!

[@patriciasaul5752]

Excellent video. Very exacting!

[@FocusPhotoSchool]

Thank you!

[@juanbon5996]

I am inclined to achieve selective focus in camera and use this new tool to refine the DoF in post. But just, refine.

[@FocusPhotoSchool]

Whenever possible, limiting depth of field in camera is the better choice but that is not currently an option on any of our smartphone cameras.

[@carindougherty4447]

This is great~ thank you!

[@FocusPhotoSchool]

Glad you liked it!

[@paintingyoucef7488]

Try 32bit images, the bokeh will be closer to reality, especially in night lights👍🏻

[@FocusPhotoSchool]

Thanks for the tip. I will have to give that a try. Tell me though, how are creating 32-bit images with your smartphone? Are you able to do this in camera or by combining raw files using an HDR type program?

[@paintingyoucef7488]

The only way you can merge images into the phone's camera with 32bit HDR technology is the Lightroom Mobile application. Search for HDR in the camera and after taking the picture use lens blur. Or use HDR programs on the computer to merge images, such as Photoshop or Photomatix... I will explain to you the advantage of this technique. Take, for example, 5 JPG images with different exposures. Try the city lights, then merge these images using Photoshop 32bit, then filter, then blur after that. Choose box blur when you are finished. Compare it with box blur. In an 8bit image, you will notice a big difference in the bokeh. You will find that in 32bit images, the bokeh is bright and realistic, while in 8bit images, the bokeh is dull and unclear. This method I discovered by chance through experiments. I hope my explanation is clear.😊