Some ‘blurred lines’ Robin Thicke wouldn’t mention
It’s time for blur effects and depth-of-field lesson round two: Instagram’s tilt-shift blur effect. This isn’t quite a déjà vu experience from the last article on blur and depth-of-field. Most people who use Instagram are unaware of what this filter is even called, never mind what its name actually denotes.
The tilt-shift filter on Instagram is often used for “selective focus.” Whether you are familiar with this term or not, if you’re an Instagram-er, you no doubt have used it at least once. It refers to the manipulation of focus/blur to make an intended focal point stand out. This isn’t always the easiest with a Smart phone, and the tilt-shift blur is just another way to emphasize whatever object is of most importance in your photos.
This blur will appear as two blurred lines, either across the top of your photo, or along the sides, depending on what you want to stand out in your photograph.
Typically when using DSLR cameras, the blur (or depth-of-field effect) is created by a tilt-shift lens. The tilt-shift lens gets its name from the two functions it is most useful for. This article will focus solely on the tilt function, derived from its ability to tilt the plane of focus (bend the lens). When you use a lens that is not a tilt-shift (most other lenses, including the lens on your Smart phone), the plane of focus functions in a completely different way. It has more of a front-to-back way of focusing, thereby allowing you to switch from focusing on the foreground to background and everywhere in between. On the other hand, tilt-shift lenses allow the lens to focus from side to side, or up and down, or diagonal, depending which way the lens is rotated (also a unique function of this lens). The tilt causes blur on the outside edges, and clarity through the middle.
Other than being of popular use for selective focus on Instagram, tilt-shift photography is also commonly used for “miniature faking.” If used correctly, the tilt-shift lens can make scenes look as though they are miniature models. For those who cannot afford a $2,000 tilt-shift lens, there are websites and even a Photoshop function that can apply the tilt-shift blur effect. This is no easy fix, but when used correctly and with precision, can create the miniature scene the shooter is looking to create.