Key takeaways:
- Use background remover to isolate your subject
- Add bokeh overlays from Canva’s elements library
- Layer and blur effects for natural-looking results
Creating that dreamy, blurred background effect doesn’t need fancy camera gear anymore. 🎨 With Canva, we can add beautiful bokeh effects to any photo in just a few clicks.
I recently played around with this technique, and I’m excited to share how you can transform your ordinary photos into something magical. ✨
Table of Contents
How to Add Bokeh Effects in Canva 🎯
Start With Your Photo
First, upload your chosen image to Canva. Make sure it’s a photo where you want to create that stunning DSLR camera-like blur effect.
Create Your Subject Layer
- Right-click your image and select duplicate
- On the duplicated image, use the background remover tool
- Resize the cut-out subject slightly smaller if needed
Add the Bokeh Magic
- Go to Elements
- Search for “bokeh overlay”
- Choose from Graphics or Photos section
- Place the bokeh effect behind your subject
Perfect the Effect
The bokeh effect adds an aesthetic quality and professional look to your portraits. While you’d typically need a special camera lens and photography skills, Canva makes it possible with just a few steps.
Pro Tips for Better Bokeh 🌟
Layer Management
- Right-click on the bokeh element
- Select “Layer”
- Choose “Send backward”
Fine-Tuning the Blur
While specialized software usually handles these effects, Canva provides a relatively simple option to achieve results similar to those of a DSLR camera.
FAQs
What is bokeh effect?
The word ‘bokeh’ comes from Japanese, meaning ‘blur’. In photography, it refers to the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus blur in photographs.
Why use bokeh effects?
Bokeh is most common in portraits, but all kinds of photographers can use it to add depth to their scene. It helps your subject pop since the background is blurry.
Can I customize the bokeh effect?
Yes! The proximity of your subject and their background will affect bokeh. Try different distances and arrangements to see how it changes the effect.
Which photos work best with bokeh?
Bokeh effects are everywhere today – in advertising, music videos, TV, film, and photography. The general intent is to accentuate and beautify the image.
Do I need Canva Pro for this?
You will need a Pro subscription to use the background remover feature.
Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La_lBCXCuWU
