[gigatwo]

ORIGINAL PICTURE:





Okay, this is just a tutorial on "focusing" in on a single object in a photo using layer masks.






Step 1- duplicate the background layer





Step 2-blur the top layer (the copy)

Step 3- add a layer mask to the top layer




step 4- using the "lasso" tool (selecting hand drawn regions) select the area of the picture that you want in focus


step 5- (on the layer mask) fill the selection with black

step 6- blur the layer mask (as many pixels/times as seem needed) until the picture looks clean.

FINAL PRODUCT:




This is a fairly simple method, although it may not be the best. At least I stillcame up with it on my own (somehow). I highly doubt I was the first though. As for the person in the picture, thats me, but the whole mark on the side was just something I put in there a while ago and accidently saved over the original pic.

Anyways, I hope this helps.

[gigatwo]

I should've chosen a different pic, but it still gives the general idea.

[Lurch]

Thats a new trick to me, thanks for sharing :h:

[capnhud]

Nice little trick quick results

[LordVader]

Here are my results, this is my youngest son. This is a great technique. Thanks