How to use the blur filter in Photoshop

Add a sense of motion to your shots using the blur filter in Photoshop, we’ll show you how in 3 simple steps…

Follow the steps below and add speed to your static shots using the blur filter in Photoshop.

Step 1

Select the Blur for the job – Here the car needs movement adding to it, so a Motion Blur filter will work well. Duplicate your image before starting and drag the Background layer over the Create a new layer button, located at the base of the Layers palette.

Step 2

Find the Blur – Working on the newly duplicated layer, go to Filter>Blur>Motion Blur. In the dialog box you can alter the distance of the Blur and the angle. To rid the background of the effect add a mask, found at the base of the Layers palette.

Step 3

Tidy up the effect – Set your Background/Foreground to Black/ White. Use a soft-edged brush at 80% opacity and paint over the areas you wish to remain sharp. Lower the opacity to 20% and paint over the bonnet and roof, so the wheels have most of the effect applied.