Portrait setting not getting blurred background

[3clmclan]

I have a eos rebel t3i. I am trying to use the portrait setting to have a crisp head shot with a blurred background and it's not working. Any suggestions?

[ScottyP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes.

The portrait preset will not help you here, unless by accident.  You need to set up the shot properly.  You need that following things:

1.)  The background needs to be at a distance behind your subject.  The farther back the more blur.  If your subject is leaning against a wall and you are shooting straight-on, you will not get blur (unless you have a super wide aperture super expensive, long-ish prime lens anyway).

2.). You need to set the lowest f/stop (the biggest lens opening/aperture) your lens will do.  Set the camera to Av mode (shutter priority) which lets you pick the aperture (the f/stop).  Low f/number = big aperture/lens opening).  Kit lenses usually have a variable aperture, starting at f/3.5 on the wide end of the zoom and f/4.5 or f/5.6 on the long end of the zoom.  A big lens opening (aperture) gives a shallow depth of field in focus so only your subject will be in sharp focus.  Things in front of or behind the subject will be blurry.

3.)  Longer focal length.  A long-ish focal length (50mm on your Rebel, or preferably longer) gives a shallower depth of field.  If you are zoomed out to 18mm, there will be little blur possible.

4.)  Put the camera closer to the subject.  Position the camera closer to the camera, and the background farther away from the subject, and the relative differences in distance help create the blur.

I would recommend buying the fun to read book "Understanding Exposure by Bryan Petersen". It is mostly pictures of course, but it really really helps explain the big concepts.  An awesome knowledge blast, and easy read.  Also watch 2 or 3 free 5- minute you tube videos on "The exposure triangle".  Same concept, plus quick and free. 

[3clmclan]

Thank you so much!! 

[ebiggs1]

What Scott said is correct but it isn't exactly the answer to your question.  You are using the 'Portrait Mode' on the mode dial?

If so you won't have access to what Scott suggested.  Here is how to use Portrait Mode.

Create some distance between your subject and the background. This distance will help put your subject into focus, while the background is blurred.
Use a telephoto lens and zoom all the way into your subject. This will create a very shallow depth of field (DOF). DOF is basically the range at which your subject is in focus. 
When focusing on your subject, half press the shutter button and focus on their face or eyes. Once the autofocus point flashes red, you’re ready to take the portrait.