Figure 11.10.  The Selective Gaussian Blur filter

Original

Blur applied

You can find this filter in the image menu under Filters → Blur → Selective Gaussian Blur

Contrary to the other blur plug-ins, the Selective Gaussian Blur plug-in doesn't act on all pixels: blur is applied only if the difference between its value and the value of the surrounding pixels is less than a defined Delta value. So, contrasts are preserved because difference is high on contrast limits. It is used to blur a background so that the foreground subject will stand out better. This add a sense of depth to the image with only a single operation.