![]() ![]() In addition to the image-editing programs mentioned in this article, there are a number of program and plug-in options available specifically for soft focus effects. Also, notice how the Gaussian Blur causes the black seat and other shadow areas bleed softly into the lighter areas, creating a moody, atmospheric effect. In this final version, note how the contrast and color saturation have been increased by my levels adjustment. Here’s how the final layers are stacked, original background layer at the bottom, Gaussian Blur layer above it set to the Darken Blend mode, and the levels adjustment layer on top.Ĩ. Then I adjusted the midtone slider (gray center triangle) for the right brightness level as judged visually on-screen.ħ. First I moved the highlight slider (white triangle) to the left until it was beneath black area of the histogram (the foothill of the mountain, so to speak). Here, I chose Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Levels and set the sliders to increase the contrast. If you don’t want to reduce the diffusion effect but the image is too flat, or too dark or light, add a curves or levels adjustment layer. This can add a mysterious, supernatural mood to a landscape, portrait, or still life.Ħ. When you place diffusion or a soft focus filter under the lens of an enlarger, the result is that the shadows and dark areas spread and bleed into the highlights of the print. Highlights on the skin glow, while the hair appears almost as if it has been painted by hand. With a Gaussian Blur setting of 20, and after changing the Blend mode to Lighten, Heidi’s portrait now displays a light, airy soft focus effect, reminiscent of 1930s Hollywood movie stills. Finally, you could apply the soft focus effect selectively by using a Layer Mask, for example, to keep the eyes and lips at their original sharpness.Ħ. You can further fine-tune the effect by adding a Levels or Curves adjustment layer. Just lower the Opacity of the top G-blur layer by pulling the Opacity slider (at the top right of the Layers palette) to the left. If there is too much blur, it’s easy to tone down. Here, I switched the Blend mode from Normal to Lighten for a bright, high key soft focus look. Experiment with different Blend modes to achieve dramatically different effects. This changes how the layer interacts, or blends, with the layer below it. In order to let some of the sharp background layer show through, change the Blending mode at the top left of the Layers palette, circled in red. The image now looks totally out of focus.ĥ. For this 6x9”, 300dpi 14MB image, I chose a Gaussian Blur radius of 20. Try this for portraits as well as to enhance landscapes, flowers, or still life subjects.Ĥ. When you want a light, bright, airy soft focus look simulate the effect of a soft focus filter placed on a camera lens. Furthermore, check the sidebar box for information on additional software and plug-ins specifically for soft focus effects.Ĭamera Lens Type Soft Focus Filter Techniques These examples were created with Adobe Photoshop CS2, but you should be able to accomplish similar effects with other image-editors that offer layer options such as Corel Paint Shop Pro 10 or later and Ulead PhotoImpact 11 or later. ![]() To fine tune results, you can use different Blending modes, vary the opacity of the blurred layer, and add levels or curves adjustment layers. The second recreates the darkroom effect of using a diffusion filter over an enlarger lens, where dark areas spread into highlights. Of shooting with a filter on the camera lens, where glowing highlights spread outward. ![]() Two digital techniques simulate soft focus lens filters. ![]() For black and white landscapes, a diffusion effect can add a striking, eerie atmosphere. With a portrait, you may want to soften skin tones for a smoother look, or to add a dreamy quality. Whether you shoot portraits, landscapes, still life, or nature, soft focus effects can add an evocative, mysterious tone to your photographs. ![]()
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