Introduction to Motion Blur

In this blog post, I will walk you through my process for adding motion blur in Photoshop. This easy effect to add can really transform a generic image to something much more dynamic.

To show you how motion blur works, we are going to recreate those iconic train shots where the train appears to be moving while the subject remains still in the background, like these examples.

Man standing in a subway station with blurred train in the background, showcasing motion blur effect.

Rear view of a man in a tan coat at a subway station, with a fast-moving train blurred in motion

Person with a backpack standing at a subway platform, with a high-speed blurred train displaying the American flag

Woman standing at a train station, viewing a swiftly moving train, demonstrating motion blur photography

Yes you can capture this in camera, but that requires a tripod, an empty station and your subject needs to be standing still.

Follow along with me

Here’s the image that we are going to be working with, which you can download here via Unsplash if you want to have a go yourself.

A subject standing in front of a stationary train, demonstrating initial steps to isolate the subject before adding motion blur.

Please note: for this tutorial, I am using the 2024 version of Photoshop.

Let’s dive right in!

Step 1: Separate the Subject from the Background

To achieve this effect, we need to start by separating our subject from the background. Thanks to Photoshops AI, this is quite easy to do.

1) Copy the Layer: Start by making a copy of your layer with Command + J.

2) Select the Subject: Press W to use the selection tool, then click the "Select Subject" button in the top toolbar. Photoshop's AI should do a good job here.

Photoshop tutorial image illustrating the use of the Magic Wand Tool to select the subject on a separate layer for motion blur effects.

3) Create a Layer Mask: With your selection active, head down to the bottom right and hit the layer mask icon. This will create a layer mask and separate our subject from the background.

Detailed Photoshop guide showing a subject with a layer mask applied, preparing for motion blur effect by isolating the subject from the background.

Step 2: Duplicate and Modify the Background Layer

Next, we need to prepare the background for the motion blur effect.

1) Duplicate the Background Layer: Make a copy of your background layer.

2) Select the Subject Mask: With the new background layer selected, hover over the layer mask we created of the subject. Hold down Command (or Control on Windows) and click the layer mask. This will make a selection of the subject.

3) Delete the subject: Use the selection to delete the subject from the background layer.

4) Expand the Mask: Go to Select > Modify > Expand and set the expansion to 20 pixels. This gives enough space for the generative fill to work with.

Photoshop instruction on expanding the selection by 20 pixels to ensure a smooth transition for motion blur application around the subject.

5) Use Generative Fill: Click into the generative fill box at the bottom and hit "Generate" without typing anything. Photoshop will fill in the background seamlessly. Choose the best variation from the right-hand side.

Photoshop screen with a subject separated from the background, illustrating the initial stage before applying motion blur.

Step 3: Merge the Layers

Now we need to merge the layers to apply the motion blur.

1) Merge New Layers: Select the top layer and hide anything you don’t want to be included. Use the shortcut Command + Option + Shift + E to create a new layer with everything included in it.

2) Tidy Up Layers: Organize your layers so you can see what you’re working with clearly.

Step 4: Add Motion Blur

Here’s where we create the illusion of a moving train.

1) Copy the New Background Layer: Make a copy of the new background layer with Command + J.

Layer panel in Photoshop showing the creation of a duplicate background layer, which is used in the process of applying motion blur.

2) Select the Train Area: Use the Lasso tool (L on your keyboard) to select the area of the train.

3) Add a Layer Mask: With the selection made, add a layer mask to this layer.

Photoshop showing how to apply a layer mask to isolate the background, facilitating selective application of motion blur.

4) Convert to Smart Object: Convert this layer to a smart object to ensure any effects we apply are non-destructive.

Photoshop interface showing the conversion of a layer to a Smart Object, a step necessary for non-destructive editing such as applying motion blur.

5) Apply Motion Blur: Go to Filter > Blur > Motion Blur. A box will pop up allowing you to change the angle and distance of the blur. Keep the angle at 0 degrees for a natural train movement. Adjust the distance to your preference. I suggest starting with a high value like 2000 and then fine-tuning. I settled on 500 for a natural look.

Applying Motion Blur filter in Photoshop: Screenshot showing the Motion Blur option under the 'Blur' submenu.

Photoshop Workspace: A man standing on a train platform, isolated using layer masks before applying motion blur.

Step 5: Final Touches

To finish up, we’ll tidy up any areas that need fixing.

1) Reduce Opacity: Select the original, unedited background layer and reduce the opacity to around 80%. This allows you to see the original image and make adjustments.

2) Clean Up: Use the Brush tool with white as the foreground colour to paint over areas that need fixing, such as the hands and the string from the coat. Use a small hard brush for precision.

3) Adjust Transparency: For transparent elements like glasses, set your brush to 50% opacity to maintain the see-through effect while still making corrections.

Step 6: Before and After

Finally, add any adjustments you feel are necessary, and you’re done!

Final Result: Before and after images showing the effect of motion blur on a man standing by a moving train in Photoshop.

Here’s the before and after comparison. This process can be applied to many different images, and they all follow a similar workflow. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful day!

By following these steps, you can easily add realistic motion blur to your photos in Photoshop. This method saves time and hassle compared to capturing the effect in-camera and works well even in busy environments.

If you found this helpful or have any questions, drop them in the comments below.

Happy editing!

How to Add Motion Blur in Photoshop: Step-by-Step Tutorial