blurr background

I am trying to edit an image by blurring, or even 'fading' the background more - is this possible in Elements? Are there any tutorials on this (either on this forum, or on the net) that someone could point me towards?
Thankyou in advance!

Hi Lenita,
Duplicate your photo. Then blur the duplicate layer. Then using a mask on the duplicate layer (which should be the top layer) mask out the main subject (paint over with black) you can then lower the opacity of the duplicate layer to suit.
You do all the work on the duplicate layer. this is a really easy way of doing things so you should be OK
Hope this helps

Hi xpl,

Thankyou!

Now I can't wait to experiment - no time just at the moment ...... if I think the final image is 'up to scratch' I'll post it for some serious critiqueing ....

Depending on what version of elements you have masking may not be possible. So duplicate the layer add Gaussian blur and then erase with a soft brush the bits you want to keep then flatten it. Same principle but i am sure Elements doesnt support masking like photoshop.

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Denny Boy

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Hi Dennis,

Thankyou for the heads up on this! Haven't had time to experiment yet - too busy with work ... but, am itching to begin, and will do so at the first opportunity!

Lenita