Z Depth Lens Blur

[DannyCooper]

Hi all, 

 

Im trying to use a Z Depth mask on a lens blur to emulate Depth of field. I have my flat rendered image but when I try to use the Lens blur filter I don't have an option to add the Z Depth mask. Is this not yet possible in AP or am I looking in the wrong place? 

 

Thanks in advance

 

Danny 

[Leigh]

Welcome to the forums DannyCooper :)

 

The only way possible at the moment would be to bring the Z Depth Mask in as an image and Rasterise it to a Mask. You can then apply this Mask to the Lens Blur.

[DannyCooper]

Thank you Leigh. 

 

Ive just had a reply on twitter to this question, they said the same as you. They also spoke about a step by step guide on how to achieve this, I'm a new user so not sure how I can achieve it. Here is a screen shot of my image hope this helps. 

 

I need to set the focus to a GREY, 3ds Max produced a white to black depth mask so both white and black need to be blurred. 

 

https://goo.gl/WCv1hS 

 

Thanks for your help.

[Leigh]

Before you follow these steps you will need to save your Z Depth Mask as an image, such as jpg, png etc.. Once you've done this give these steps a try:

 

1. Open image into Affinity Photo

2. Once image is open, go to File > Place... and select the Z Depth Mask image

3. Place Z Depth Mask Image in the correct position ( use align options to be precise )

4. With Z Depth Mask Image selected in the Layers Panel go to Layer > Rasterise to Mask...

5. Now add a Lens Blur Live Filter

 

You will need to make the Z Depth image a Mask of the Lens Blur Layer within the Layers Panel. Here's a quick video showing how to do it :)

 

Depth Mask.mov

 

[DannyCooper]

Okay I've followed your steps. 

 

It looks like 'it works' but I want to ask another question !!Sorry!! 

 

My Depth mask uses the grey as a focus point and in your video you use a mask that goes black white black (closest to furthest away) 

 

1. How did you create a black white black mask?

 

2. Can you make a grey in focus not white? 

 

 

 

Thanks. 

[Leigh]

Sorry for the length of time getting back to you. It's been real busy with the launch of the update and Christmas.

 

Anyhow, the samples shown in my original post were downloaded from Wikipedia. However, you can create a similar mask by creating a layer and selecting an individual part of the image and fill with black, white, grey or a gradient fill, depending on the effect your want. You will repeat this for all objects within the image. Once you've selected all objects, you will then merge them together and Rasterise to a Mask. This is a very brief explanation, so if you need more info let me know :)

 

It's not possible to change the focus colour from White to Grey.