How to Fix Blurry Pictures in 3 Easy Steps

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 5 min read

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Blurry pictures can be a frustrating issue for photographers of all levels. Thankfully, there are ways to fix those less-than-perfect shots and make them more visually appealing. In this blog, we'll explore three easy steps to fix blurry pictures, so you can make the most out of your photography and create stunning images.

Step 1: Identify the Cause of Blurry Pictures

Before you can fix blurry pictures, it's essential to understand what caused the blurriness in the first place. There are several common reasons for blurry pictures, and knowing the cause will help you choose the best solution. Let's take a closer look at three typical causes of blurry pictures:

Camera Settings

Incorrect camera settings can often lead to blurry pictures. Some of the factors include:

Shutter speed: If it's too slow, it can cause motion blur, especially when capturing moving subjects or shooting handheld.
Aperture: A wide aperture (low f-number) can result in a shallow depth of field, causing parts of the image to appear out of focus.
ISO: High ISO settings can introduce noise and graininess, making the image appear less sharp.

Focus Issues

Blurry pictures can also be a result of focus-related problems. Here are two common issues:

Incorrect focus: If the camera's autofocus system locks on to the wrong subject or fails to focus at all, the main subject in your picture may appear blurry.
Camera shake: Holding the camera unsteadily or pressing the shutter button too hard can cause the entire image to appear blurry due to slight camera movement during exposure.

Motion Blur

Motion blur occurs when a subject in the photo is moving while the shutter is open. This can happen when:

The subject is moving too fast for the shutter speed you're using.
The camera isn't held steady while taking the picture.

Now that we've identified the common causes of blurry pictures, let's move on to choosing the right editing software to help fix them.

Step 2: Choose the Right Editing Software

To fix blurry pictures, you'll need a reliable photo editing software. There are several options available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Let's explore three popular choices, so you can decide which one works best for you:

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful, industry-standard software used by professionals and hobbyists alike. It offers a wide range of tools and features to help you fix blurry pictures, including:

Sharpening tools to enhance image details and reduce blurriness.
Advanced noise reduction filters to minimize graininess caused by high ISO settings.
Manual focus correction options for fixing out-of-focus areas.

While Photoshop is an excellent choice, it can be expensive, and its learning curve may be steep for beginners.

GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source alternative to Photoshop. It offers several tools to help fix blurry pictures, such as:

Various sharpening filters to improve image clarity.
Noise reduction options to minimize graininess.
Manual focus adjustment tools for correcting out-of-focus areas.

GIMP is a great option for those on a budget, but it might not offer all the advanced features found in other paid software.

Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is another powerful photo editing software that can help fix blurry pictures. Some of its key features include:

Advanced sharpening tools to enhance image details.
High-quality noise reduction filters to minimize graininess.
Manual focus correction options for fixing out-of-focus areas.

Affinity Photo is a more affordable alternative to Photoshop, but still offers a wide range of professional-grade tools and features. It's a solid choice for those looking for a balance between cost and functionality.

Now that you've chosen the right editing software, it's time to learn how to fix those blurry pictures!

Step 3: Fix Blurry Pictures

Once you've chosen your preferred editing software, it's time to get down to business and fix those blurry pictures. Here are three techniques you can use to make your photos sharper and more visually appealing:

1. Sharpening Tools

Most photo editing software offers a variety of sharpening tools to enhance image details. These tools work by increasing the contrast between pixels, making edges and textures more defined. Here's a quick rundown of some common sharpening tools:

Unsharp Mask: This classic tool sharpens images by increasing the contrast between pixels. Adjust the amount, radius, and threshold settings to control the level of sharpening.
Smart Sharpen: This more advanced tool analyzes the image and selectively sharpens only the areas that need it, helping to preserve image quality.
High Pass: This technique involves applying a high-pass filter to a duplicate layer of the image, then blending it with the original layer using an overlay mode. It can produce very natural-looking sharpening results.

Experiment with these tools to find the one that works best for your specific blurry picture.

2. Noise Reduction

When fixing blurry pictures, it's essential to address any image noise, which can make the photo look grainy and less appealing. Noise reduction tools help minimize this issue by smoothing out the graininess without sacrificing image detail. Here's a brief overview of some noise reduction techniques:

Reduce Noise Filter: This basic tool smooths out noise by blending nearby pixels together. Adjust the strength and preserve details settings to find the right balance between noise reduction and image detail.
Advanced Noise Reduction: Some software, like Photoshop, offers more advanced noise reduction options, which allow you to target specific types of noise (such as color or luminance noise) for more precise control.

Apply noise reduction judiciously, as overdoing it can make the image look unnatural and overly smooth.

3. Manual Focus Correction

If your blurry picture is the result of an out-of-focus subject, you might be able to fix it using manual focus correction tools. These tools allow you to selectively sharpen specific areas of the image, drawing attention to the subject and making it appear more focused. Here's how to do it:

Create a duplicate layer of the image.
Apply a sharpening tool, like Unsharp Mask or Smart Sharpen, to the duplicate layer.
Add a layer mask to the sharpened layer, then use a soft brush to selectively reveal the sharpened areas, focusing on the subject.

Remember that manual focus correction has its limits, and it won't always be able to completely fix a severely out-of-focus image. However, it can still improve the overall appearance of the photo.

With these three techniques in your arsenal, you're well on your way to fixing blurry pictures and making your photos look their best!

If you're looking to improve your smartphone photography skills after reading this blog post, we highly recommend checking out Alina Rudya's workshop, 'Smartphone Photography 101'. This workshop will provide you with essential tips and techniques to take stunning photos using just your phone. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your photography skills!