GoPros are great for capturing amazing scenes and wild adventures with crisp, clean shots. But sometimes, you may want to add a bit of artistic flair to your videos. One way to do this is by using a technique called blurring the background. Motion blur highlights moving objects in a video while blurring the background to create a more cinematic look and feel.
Older GoPro models didn’t offer the blur backgrounds feature, but it was added in newer models like the HERO10 Black. Unfortunately, the feature is only available in picture mode. If you want to add this effect to your videos, you’ll need to use another editing software.
There are a few different ways to blur the background of a video. Let’s take a look at what is and isn’t possible using a GoPro and how to add the effect in post-processing if desired.
Do GoPros Have the Ability to Blur Backgrounds?
GoPros can’t blur backgrounds in videos, but the new models can achieve the effect in still photos. Blur backgrounds should not be confused with blurry images. The latter happens when the camera is not focused correctly on the subject.
Background blur is an aesthetic choice that makes the subject stand out from its surroundings. This effect can be achieved with a shallow depth of field, which is something that GoPros can’t do.
If you want to blur your GoPro footage’s background, you’ll need video editing software to achieve the desired look. The GoPro camera is designed to be as small and lightweight as possible. This means the sensor size is much smaller than that of a hefty DSLR camera, for example.
The smaller the sensor, the harder it is to get a shallow depth of field. But, on the other hand, a shallow depth of field is what you need for background blur. So, if you’re looking to get that dreamy, cinematic look with your GoPro footage, you’ll need to do some post-processing to achieve it.
How to Get the Blur Effect From GoPros
Blurring the background in GoPro pictures is more doable than with videos. The newest GoPro model, the HERO10 Black (on Amazon), has a feature called Portrait Mode that allows you to blur the background of your pictures. To use this feature, simply go into the camera’s settings and select Portrait Mode.
This will enable the feature and allow you to blur the background of your pictures. It should be noted that this feature is still in beta, so it may not work perfectly every time. Nevertheless, it’s a great way to get that dreamy, cinematic look with your GoPro pictures.
Blurring videos with GoPro is a little more challenging because the sensor size is so tiny that it’s hard to get a shallow depth of field. You’ll need to use video editing software to blur your GoPro videos.
Adobe Premiere Pro
There are many different software programs out there that can help you achieve the desired look. Some of these programs are free, while others are paid. One of the most popular video editing programs is Adobe Premiere Pro.
This program has many features that can help you edit your videos. For example, if you’re looking to blur your GoPro videos, Premiere Pro is a great option.
Final Cut Pro X
Another popular video editing program is Final Cut Pro X. This program is specifically designed for Apple products. If you have a Mac computer, this may be the best option for you. No matter which video editing program you choose, blurring your GoPro footage’s background is a relatively simple process.
Simply add a Gaussian Blur effect to your footage and adjust the settings until you get the desired look. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to achieve that dreamy, cinematic look with your GoPro footage in no time!
What Is the Shallow Depth of Field Effect?
Shallow depth of field is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in an image. This is usually expressed as an f-number like f/2.8, where a smaller f-number indicates a greater distance between the nearest and farthest objects that appear acceptably sharp.
A shallow depth of field can help isolate a subject from its background, making it stand out more. It can also help reduce distractions and make it easier for the viewer to focus on the subject.
GoPros have very small sensors, making it difficult to achieve a shallow depth of field. However, you can still achieve this effect with the right video editing software.
To create a shallow depth of field effect:
- Use a GoPro with a small sensor size.
- Set your aperture to the lowest f-number possible.
- Move closer to your subject.
- Use a longer focal length lens.
- Edit your video footage with software that allows you to control the aperture and focus distance.
With the correct settings and editing, you can create some stunning videos with a shallow depth of field effect, despite the limitations of a GoPro.