1. Path blur
Path Blur means you can create a motion blur effect along a path. Here, let’s take a look at how to use the “Path Blur” filter tool.
(1) Adjust the path
Step 1: Open the material "Golden Gate Bridge" in Photoshop CC 2014. Of course, before we proceed, it is best to change the layer to a smart object first, so that we can add some filters to the image without causing destructive effects on the original image. At the same time, these filters will be used later in image processing. will be used, and smart objects can further help us control the results of retouching. So here, select the layer, then right-click and select "Convert to Smart Object."
ps path blur
Step 2: Open Filter > Blur Gallery > Path Blur. In this way, a path to both endpoints is automatically created. By default, paths orient the blur from left to right. In addition, there are blur tools and motion blur effects panels on the right, making it easy for everyone to preview the real-time operations.
ps path blur
Step 3: Click and hold the Command key (Ctrl key on Windows), then click and place the path on the bridge and release all.
ps path blur
Step 4: Click on the end point and drag along the side of the bridge to change its blur direction.
ps path blur
Step 5: Not only can you use the end points, but you can also click and drag the middle points to adjust the blur direction.
ps path blur
(2) Adjust the blur shape
Step 1: Look in the Edit Blur Shape box. Here you will notice that a red arrow appears at the end of each path. This red arrow is the speed parameter. The speed parameter is global and affects all paths. The end speed parameter can be adjusted independently, and you can adjust it in the final result.
ps path blur
Step 2: Click on the left end point and set its end point speed parameter to 0.
ps path blur
Step 3: Click on the right end point and set its end point speed parameter to 100. You can then click and drag the midpoint of the red arrow to change the shape of the blur, or click and drag the head of the arrow to change the endpoint velocity parameter until you get the shape you want.
ps path blur
(3) Add another path
Step 1: The blur effect in the image is controlled by only one path, but we can add more paths to get more interesting retouching results. In this case, we want to add a path to reduce the blurring effect on the front of the bridge.
First, you must add a new path. Click where you want to add the path, drag and add more points until you reach the path you want to create.
ps path blur
Step 2: As long as you click and drag, the path will continue to be corrected. To end the path, place the mouse cursor over the end point until you get the shape under the cursor, then click again. Or, you can press the ESC key to end.
ps path blur
Step 3: After adjusting the path to the shape you like, change the endpoint speed parameters appropriately. In this tutorial, the speed parameter is set to 38, the bottom end speed parameter is set to 16, and the top end speed parameter is set to 4
Step 4: After getting the photo retouching you want, we can end all operations.