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10/16/2006 07:48:17 AM · #1 |
Normally I use my soft focus filter, but lately Ive had to shoot quickly and taking filters on and off has left me missing what i need to be shooting.
I was wondering if someone could post a tutorial on how they achieve soft focus w/ photoshop. Some of the examples here are quit amazing and a how to to get the softness while keeping the proper detail would be well appreciated. |
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10/16/2006 08:00:44 AM · #2 |
Quick-n-dirty and not Basic-editing legal:
- Duplicate the image layer on a layer above the main image
- Apply gaussian blur of approx. 6 to 8 pixels to the duplicate layer (assuming this is a full-size out-of-camera file)
- Reduce opacity of the blurred layer to about 40% or to taste
- On the duplicate layer, create a layer mask
- Select the layer mask for editing, and use a large, soft brush (set color to black and opacity to about 20%) brush back in sharpness around eyes and anywhere else you feel needs it.
The above techique can give results that are better than that obtainable with a physical filter, and of course are reversible. You always have the sharp original. There are many ways to modify this technique to tweak its performance. Experiment!
One thing I find useful is to sharpen the base image layer a little more than you normally would (but don't overdo it!). This helps to keep the impression of high detail despite the softening effect. |
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10/16/2006 08:04:08 AM · #3 |
The Basic-Editing-legal approximation to the above technique is to complete the editing process, resize for submission, sharpen, and then:
- Apply a gaussian blur of about 3-6 pixels directly to the image
- Immediately Edit>Fade Gaussian blur and set opacity to about 35-40%
- Don't change the blend mode when you fade; that's not legal in Basic! |
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10/16/2006 08:54:34 AM · #4 |
Thanks for clarifying how to do this in Basic; the only disadvantage then still is that you're unable to paint back the areas that you want sharp (like with a physical filter :-).
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