How is this photo effect called?

Hi,

How is the effect from the picture at this link called? http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y4_2XlnWz28/TTZLasPj_DI/AAAAAAAAAtg/oxq-z5sxPM4/S1600-R/banner%2Bgrey%2Bmap%2Bgrey.png (I’ve seen it lately a lot in web design – the effect which gives to a picture that kind of vintage + b&w + sepia + blurred effect and looks so nice when you put white text over it).

Bit of an odd one. There’s all sorts of effects that cover all of those categories (vintage, b&w, sepia). In actual fact, the background image on that banner has simply been inverted, and nothing else really.

Maybe this one indeed is only inverted, but I meant the same style that is used in these sites, for instance presented at this address: http://www.bestpsdfreebies.com/10-great-examples-of-blurred-backgrounds-in-web-design/

Is this only the blur effect in the backgrounds? or blur combined with something else?

Yes, blur. They could be also touched a little bit, maybe contrast, levels, curves, but nothing more.

Thanks so much!

I guess its called Gaussian Blur, check this: http://www.quasimondo.com/StackBlurForCanvas/StackBlurDemo.html

Yes, this is basically Invert, plus some more effects of Hue/ Contrast/ Level etc., to help make a vintage looks. Some more textures and brushes over as well.