An image processing method is provided. The method includes detecting a predetermined face area from an input image; converting the input image into Lab coordinates; determining whether coordinate areas having angles corresponding to an angle of the detected face area exist on a Lab color system and searching the input image for the coordinate areas according to a result of the determining; and blurring the detected face area and the found coordinate areas. An image processing apparatus and digital photographing apparatus using the method and apparatus are also provided. Accordingly, reduction of the resolution of a whole image may be prevented by processing only a face area, instead of the whole image, to result in a soft face area image quality. A deterioration in quality of portions which are not supposed to be blurred may be prevented by blurring only a skin color area of the face area.