Blurred Vision

[Rehab]

Hi
Can anyone give me a brief run down on how to achieve a simple blur on an image in photoshop. I want the focus to be in the forground with the image blur/soft focus ocurring. I am attempting to photograph pieces for my folio, but dont just want flat looking snap shots.
Cheers Steve

[Jam]

there are a number of ways of doing it...
depending on image, I would create 2 layers, blur the bottom one and then create a mask on the top one, use the gradient and brush tools to hide and reveal the areas I want to be focused or blurred.

[Broacher]

Depth of field effects can be handled beautifully through the Camera blur filter. For a good tutorial, check out russellbrown.com on his tips and techniques page. It's in there, among all the other treasures.