Friday, May 25, 2012

What advantages does the Brenizer method have over Photoshop blur?

Question

I have seen a lot of posts lately about the Brenizer method. It looks smashing, but at the same time, I am fairly certain I could recreate the look using blurred layers in Photoshop. Apart from having a high-resolution picture using Brenizer's technique, are there other advantages I'm missing from just taking one wide-angle shot and manipulating it in PS to mimic the look?

Answer

Most techniques that are 'properly' accomplished in-camera, but can also be approximated in software, are generally better in-camera. No software filter can replicate the quality of bokeh afforded by a good-quality lens (although Photoshop's Lens Blur filter does a decent job).

Having said that, the Brenizer method is relatively time consuming, both in the field and in the computer, and requires a fast lens, so whether or not you do it 'properly' or with straightforward blurring really depends on what you're doing with it. If you're just taking a family portrait shot, you may as well 'cheat'. If you're taking a shot for your portfolio or for a professional wedding shoot, it's worth going the whole hog.

Answered by ElendilTheTall

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