How do you get a blurred background and pristine subject?

Like this:
http://www.yophotographer.com/page.php?t=4113

How would you go about ensuring the subject is in focus and sharp but get a blurred background?

In camera, shoot at the widest aperture that the camera or lens will allow (lowest f number) at the longest focal length that the lens will reach to get the most blurred background with a sharp subject. That's the simplest way of putting it

In the home, 'shop it

Its what is generally called depth of field , the amount in focus infront and behind the subject( DOF for short). With a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera this can be obtained rightly as SK above says, or via centre weighted spot metering, this is obtained with a DSLR setting set to having a very limited DOF. With the Nikon D200 it can be obtained via a couple of switches on the camera body and adjusted in the menu setup for the area covered by spot metering together with the appropriate lens.

As I have said previously way back there is nothing wrong with having a compact camera and they are very good at what they can achieve but are limited to a certain range of photos they can take. However when you wish to be more creative with your photography then a DSLR nowadays is really a must have. This is a typical example, another is obtaining a picture at a distance where it is impossible to get to, as in a picture across a lake.

Even the entry level DSLR's have such an advantage over a compact apart from maybe size ( you can't get a DSLR into a pocket), once owned one and a couple of lenses to go with it, I doubt whether many would revert back to using a compact.

Bazza

thanks guys - photoshop it is!

Bazza, I do intend to get a DSLR but am still waiting to start my business (finding a premises is proving difficult) and until then am scrounging money off my parents and still haven't paid off my laptop!

So as soon as I can, I will be getting a better camera, unfortunately I'm stuck with my little compact until then!

Can't wait...

Lottie I have sent you a PM

Bazza

Before you spring for Photoshop try Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0. I have both and never use the more expensive Photoshop after a few online courses using Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0. You can get this software at a really good price from www.amazon.com for about $60.