Blur the Background to obtain a different photo canvas effect

If you happen to own a digital SLR camera, the range of techniques you can employ to obtain better pictures for your photo canvas grows exponentially.

One such technique achieved best with an SLR is to throw the photographs background out of focus. This is accomplished by using a low f stop (ie. f/2.8 or f/3.5) and it's a great technique for emphasizing your subject. If you don't own a SLR there is still a possibility to capture this technique. First, many up-to-date point and shoot cameras are now incorporating more manual features, like selective focus and f stop selection.

Take a peek at your camera's manual to see what your camera has to offer. All is not lost, however, if your particular camera doesn't have any manual options. More than likely, your camera will have a range of scene modes to choose from. If this is the case then you can choose either the sunset or sunrise option, if available, which should give you a low f stop to work with.