Flower Impressions -- Zooming Part II

In a previous post, I described how to set up the camera to produce an effect of streaking lines in a picture of a large flower or bouquet. You can also simulate this effect using photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. Besides allowing you to apply this effect to flower images you already have in your collection, you can also position the streaks to radiate from a location other than the center of the frame. And you can hide (mask) the effect where you don't want it.

Zooming effect created in Adobe Photoshop
Radial Blur filter settings: Amount 60, Blur Method Zoom, Quality Best

These steps are the same for Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
  • Open a flower image.
  • Choose Layer>Duplicate Layer (Ctrl + J or Command + J).
  • Name the layer "Zoom" and click OK.
  • Choose Filter>Blur>Radial Blur.
    • For Blur Method, choose Zoom.
    • For Quality, choose Best.
    • Drag in the Blur Center grid to position the center of the effect.
    • Adjust the Amount slider to produce the desired amount of blur.
    • Click OK.
  • If you don’t like the effect, in the Layers panel
    • You can lower the Opacity of the filter to reduce the effect.
    • You can also experiment with different Blending modes.
    • You can delete the layer and try again.
  • You can add a layer mask for the filter so you can hide the effect from portions of the image. (optional)
    • Choose Layer>Layer Mask>Reveal All
    • Click on the mask thumbnail.
    • Choose a soft edge paintbrush.
    • In the Options Bar (Elements: Tool Options), be sure the Mode is Normal and the Opacity 100%.
    • Set the foreground color to black (type D, then X).
    • Paint over the area you want to remain sharp.
    • Change the size of the brush using the square bracket [ ] keys.
  • Make any adjustments to brightness, contrast, and/or color you wish using adjustment layers (Brightness/Contrast, Levels, Hue/Saturation, etc.). (optional)
  • Choose File>Save As and give the image a new name.

    If you'd like to learn more fun ways to create flower impressions, join my class at the Lifelong Learning Center in Missoula, Montana, beginning April 4, 2019. Click here to register.