Soft Focus in PS

[Nevyn]

What's the best way to get the soft focus look on an image?

I know you can do it with duplicate layer - Guassian blur - Blend mode to Lighten

I just wondered if there were other methods that people use or recommend.

Thanks

[Nevyn]

Nobody?

[brad]

I'll duplicate a layer, Gaussian Blur with a 20 to that layer.. then make that layer somewhere between 20 and 50 percent opaque, depending on the look I want. I will always go back and erase the blurred layer around the eyes so they come through sharp.. sometimes I will also do around the lips, again, depending on the look I want at the time.

[ndsimm]

I always learn so much here
been using the Gaussian Blur, just never thought to use it on a separate layer.....

[Erin Kathleen]

I like using Gaussian Blur, but I also like Virtual Photographer filters. It's a free plug-in download (but I don't remember 100% from where). PM markperez if you can't google it since he's the one who showed it to me. They have some fun softening and such filters to play with for black and white or color.

[jheiliger]

There are lots of places you can get actions that will do softfocus for you if you want to pay a little bit of money.

http://www.nobsphotosuccess.com/pages/actions.html - Specifically the Hodgysoft and Softar. GREAT ACTIONS!! I use them all the time!

http://www.fredmiranda.com/shopping/SF -- Fred Miranda's is here. I don't like it as well... Not enough control.

Hope that helps!

Joe

[Nevyn]

Had forgotten about the 'deleting the softened eyes' bit.

Many thanks guys and gals.

[jordankreationz]

Originally Posted by Ciarrai

I like using Gaussian Blur, but I also like Virtual Photographer filters. It's a free plug-in download (but I don't remember 100% from where). PM markperez if you can't google it since he's the one who showed it to me. They have some fun softening and such filters to play with for black and white or color.

That would be from here at Optik Verve.


It's great!!

DJ

[Nevyn]

Thanks all.
Have just downloaded the optik verve filters.
Plenty to play with there!

[PeteQ]

Duplicate the Background twice Layer 1 , Layer 1 Copy

Gaussion Layer 1 - 40 pix
Gaussian Layer 1 Copy - 60 pix
Create a Blank Layer
Make Background layer not visible
Merge visible (Layer 1, Layer 1 Copy, Blank) We'll call it Blurred now...
Make Background visible

Now with your Blurred layer on top of Background, use it as a mask. Erase all the parts you don't want softened. Lower the opacity of the Blurred layer over your Background to suit your taste. I also sometimes set the Layer 1 Copy mode to Screen or Multiply if I want to lighten or darken the area I am softening...

[xseption]

Originally Posted by PeteQ

Duplicate the Background twice Layer 1 , Layer 1 Copy

Gaussion Layer 1 - 40 pix
Gaussian Layer 1 Copy - 60 pix
Create a Blank Layer
Make Background layer not visible
Merge visible (Layer 1, Layer 1 Copy, Blank) We'll call it Blurred now...
Make Background visible

Now with your Blurred layer on top of Background, use it as a mask. Erase all the parts you don't want softened. Lower the opacity of the Blurred layer over your Background to suit your taste. I also sometimes set the Layer 1 Copy mode to Screen or Multiply if I want to lighten or darken the area I am softening...

Impressive ... I think I'll try that

thanks!

edd

[skdupre]

Click to jump to this post, which shows samples of softening effect using Brad's instructions.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...204#post123204

[bullsparade]

Originally Posted by PeteQ

Duplicate the Background twice Layer 1 , Layer 1 Copy

Gaussion Layer 1 - 40 pix
Gaussian Layer 1 Copy - 60 pix
Create a Blank Layer
Make Background layer not visible
Merge visible (Layer 1, Layer 1 Copy, Blank) We'll call it Blurred now...
Make Background visible

Now with your Blurred layer on top of Background, use it as a mask. Erase all the parts you don't want softened. Lower the opacity of the Blurred layer over your Background to suit your taste. I also sometimes set the Layer 1 Copy mode to Screen or Multiply if I want to lighten or darken the area I am softening...

Yeah thats a good one. At first I thought it was overkill...but then I see it gives alot of control...so even made an action to create the layes...then I adjust accordingly. Thanks alot!