Hehe, since it was my aim to cheat I'm very glad about your false assumption :-)
The procedure is quite simple:
1) Boost the contrast and pull the saturation to maximum to achieve a plastic-like look.
2) Scale down the image to reduce processing time for blurring.
3) Double the layer.
4) Apply blur to the top layer. Don't use Gaussian blur or motion blur! Apply focus blur to get a much more convincing imitation of depth of focus. Focus blur is an additional plug-in. You can download it there:
http://registry.gimp.org/node/1444. Download for Windows users:
http://registry.gimp.org/node/8236. I set radius to 8 for this image (width=1000).
5) Add a layer mask to the top layer.
6) Use the gradient tool, set option to bi-linear gradient, drag mouse from about top quarter of the image down to about bottom third. The result is a horizontal black bar, feathering into top and bottom direction. The parts of the image that are couvered by black colour appear sharp.
7)For precision work I painted with black brush on the layer mask to get a sharp platform with the people and with white brush to get the background stronger blurred. - finished!
Look at this video to watch some amazing examples from sports photography:
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/magazine/20070531_VINCENT_FEATURE/blocker.htmlAlso impressing:
http://www.cheapshooter.com/2007/08/24/tilt-shift-photography-its-a-small-world-after-all/http://phlow.net/mag/web_design_technik/tiltshiftfotografie.phphttp://foto-forum.foren-city.de/topic,2795,-fake-miniature-fake-tiltshift-tutorial.htmlAnother tip: You can modify the way of putting a gradient to the layer mask. For example you can use a circular gradient or put a selection to a certain area and apply a shaped gradient - if you intended to buy a Lensbaby you can now put your money aside for other nice things ;-)
Have fun – and show us your own results! :-)
Best regards,
Bert