Blur Background Like a Pro F1.2 Aperture Effect - DaVinci Resolve Tutorial

Want a cinematic look with a blurred background but lack a high-end camera?

This DaVinci Resolve 18.6 tutorial shows you how to achieve a shallow depth-of-field effect digitally! Learn how to use the depth map tool to selectively blur the background while keeping your subject sharp.

Perfect for interviews, talking heads, and adding a professional touch to your videos!

In this video you'll learn:

How to use the depth map for precise background control
Adjusting the depth map for a natural bokeh effect
Applying lens blur for a realistic look
Bonus Tip: Optimizing your project for smooth editing
Software used: DaVinci Resolve 18.6 (Free and Studio versions)

Keywords: Davinci Resolve, depth map, background blur, shallow depth-of-field, bokeh effect, cinematic look, interview editing, color grading

[penandflute]

You should add in title that this is only for STUDIO VERSION. Disappointed that nowhere it was mentioned.

[chrisbogart]

Such an easy and powerful technique. So much power to be discovered in DR. Thanks for sharing.

[marinrealestatephotography]

Thanks for the tutorial, Josh. Short, sweet, and simple.

[MAPLEKID-ijlr]

This is really great, it feels really natural.

May I ask, if it ever gives you those bokeh balls when there's light in the background.

[ooSpyderoo]

Great video, no silly music and straight into it. How do you determine that .477 value though? Just the one that you found worked on that clip?

[williamcodywinter]

Would you still recommend doing it this way or using the new background blur effect with magic mask?

[UFOBobTV]

Excellent tutorial: clear, concise and easy to follow.

[indrasaputraahmadi]

need more like this. thanks. now i can use my phone and make it like mirrorless camera. got my subscribe

[suheybtosun]

Dude, maybe these simple tricks don't show up on the phone screen, but on the big screen they make you grin.

[Bluemanta]

Great tutorial, this can be very useful, thanks!

[russellcostanzo]

do you recommend adding the blur before any corrections or after?

[MAPLEKID-ijlr]

Hello, I'm new to your channel, and I found this really helpful
I am quite curious that if it gives you the bokeh balls when there are lights in the background?

[PPimenta]

You can also make a manual render in node level, if you what to maintain the effect.

[Dimidth_Petkovski]

Thanks. It is an easy way, if we missed a bokeh shot in real time.

[stevef]

Great tutorial but Depth Map is not available on the free version. Just ran into that wall. I was able to do everything but it watermarks it. Looks like I need to pay for the upgrade. But I have a good reason now.

[doghot]

it's not good enough, the depth map is way too rough and flickering. maybe OK with a tiny screen.

[Nathan-G]

nice video. I tried to apply it to my video and out the nodes like you showed but it still doesn't give me the greyed out visualization of the depth map.. Any advice?

[benjalockridge]

This was great information, but am I the only one that feels the lens blur when used with this method seems like it's in an incorrect blend mode? Almost like it's overlaying and creating almost a misty look if the effect is cranked up too high.

[AtlasCinematic]

Is there any way to avoid the subjects looking like they're floating if they're shown from head to toe in the frame?

[GizmoMaxx]

You could always change the blur shapes and composite mode to refine the effect.