Field guide

Blur the background or replace it?

Blur and replacement solve different problems. Blur reduces distraction while retaining context; replacement changes the story and demands a credible composite.

Choose blur when the existing colours and light already suit the subject. It preserves reflected light, edge spill and the relationship between the person and the location.

Choose replacement when the setting is unusable, private or factually wrong for the intended message. Expect to correct colour temperature and contact shadows as part of that choice.

Inspect edge contamination before deciding. Hair photographed against green foliage retains green mixed pixels; a warm studio backdrop will expose that spill unless it is neutralised.

For identification and evidence images, avoid both treatments unless the receiving specification permits them. A cleaner-looking picture can become an invalid document.