Tilt-shift lenses are often used to correct lens distortion or to control the plane of focus. However, it is most known and loved for the miniature effect it can create.

In this article, we’ll go over 2 easy and quick ways to achieve this effect by “digitally manipulating” an image through programs like Photoshop.

The only thing you’ll need is access to a photo with a good resolution, preferably shot from a high angle!

Note: though the second way is a lot quicker, the first option is much more refined and gives you more control over the effect.

The Tilt-shift effect with Lens Blur Filter

Step 1: import your photo into photoshop and duplicate your background to prevent quality loss. You can do this by simply dragging the background on the “create a new layer icon”.

Step 2: create a mask for your copy by pressing the “add a mask” button

Step 3: Click on the gradient tool (1). Choose “reflected gradient” (2) and make sure it’s on “Foreground to transparent” (3). The Foreground should be black.

Step 4: While the mask is selected, draw your gradients on the image. You’ll notice that nothing will happen on the image itself. The changes are at this moment only visible on the mask layer. You can draw your gradient by clicking and dragging it up, down, left or right. The area you want to be in focus should be in white on your mask.

Step 5: Now make sure you’ve selected your layer instead of your mask. Next, click on Filter > Blur > Lens Blur. Now you will see your images blurred. Make sure your source is on the layered mask (1) and that the “invert” option (2) is selected. Now you can play around with the radius of the Iris (3) and once you are pleased with the result, just click on “ok”.

And that’s it! Simple, isn’t it?

The Tilt-shift effect with the Tilt-Shift Filter

Step 1: the import your photo into photoshop and duplicate your background to prevent quality loss. You can do this by simply dragging the background on the “create a new layer icon”.

Step 2: go to Filter > Blur > Tilt-shift. Photoshop has a built-in filter that is capable of replicating the tilt shift effect till a certain level.

Step 3: make sure Tilt-Shift and iris blur are selected, now feel free to experiment until you are satisfied!>

Before:

After:







