How to do the soft effect digitally?

[jhankins]

Anyone have the technique for doing the softfx on portraits digitally? Or is there a reason to go with the actual optical mist or softfx filters instead?


http://www.hankinsbay.com/gallery/portrait/IMG_1365
One of my first attempts with my studio lights. (My backdrops haven't arrived yet.)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Photoshop filters,.. specifically Guassian blur.

I sometimes use the Magic Wand and selct only portions of a photo,. (ie skin tones etc.) and apply guassian blur. use a very low number and experimant a bit. Also try some of the other blurs,.. like Smart Blur.

[photodad]

One way I've found to create this effect in Photoshop is to first duplicate the background layer (command-J), then apply a mopdest amount of Gaussian Blur to the duplicated layer. Leave the blend mode to normal (the default setting), but lower the opacity to 10-20%. See if this gives you a result you like.

[slejhamer]

jhankins,

You don't say what software you are using. If it's Photoshop 7 send me an email (use the email icon under my name in the left column) and I will forward to you the soft focus action I've created. It retains a good amount of edge detail and has controls to let you vary the amount of effect, from modest skin smoothing to a highly diffused look.

cheers,

[sigler]

I softened the pic with Mystical Tint, Tone, and Color.


http://homepage.mac.com/rsigler/boy.jpg
Enjoy!

Rob

[sigler]

PS...Which lights did you get? I want to set up a home studio too, but I'm just a newbie when it comes to lights.

:)

[slejhamer]

sigler wrote:
I softened the pic with Mystical Tint, Tone, and Color.



Sure is a lot of haloing ... is that a PS plugin?

[hodgy]

Quickest way in Ps todo this is

Gaussian blur image
EDIT/ STEP BACKWARD.
Open History pallete and place history brush in gaussian blur state.

Select history brush with a soft edge and a low opacity.

Now paint in areas you wish to be soft. Most Soft effect software soften everything, including the eyes. The eyes, in my opinion, should be sharp.

cheers.

[hodgy]

Here's what I did with my softar action I created. Took about 7 seconds.
http://gallery.consumerreview.com/webcrossing/images/soft.jpg

[jhankins]

slejhamer, I sent an email to you (I think) not sure if you received. Would love to give that a try.


Sigler, Thanks and in answer to your question, I got the Alien Bees Traveler Bee package with B800's.

The picture was literally one of the first 5 pictures I took. The Halo effect was actually a background light turned up high. Not intentional, just getting used to the lights.

Regarding software, I'm using PS7 so if anyone has actions they'd like to share that have worked well for them, please do so. That would be great. Thanks for the help everyone! I think I like Hodgy's best and agree the clear eyes does make a difference.

[dilokiam]

I just recently picked up "The Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby. I can't say enough about this book! It's a great reference guide for "how to's". DEFINTALY worth purchasing!

[slejhamer]

jhankins - I replied, but will resend as apparently you didn't get it.

Mine might be similar to Hodgy's. It creates an edge mask so that sharpness is retained, then it has an optional stop so that you can further mask off anything you like, and finally it softens everything else. Another option I have added is a "glow" layer which gives more of the foggy/dreamy look of a soft-focus filter, rather than only the skin-smoothing effect.

[TKHerman]

I recently purchased the Dream Suite II from AutoFX -- it's a Photoshop Plug-in that includes an effect called 'Dreamy'. it really does a great job!!!

Here's a sample: http://www.level3photography.com/Proofs/Watson/06-17-2003/6433.jpg

The AutoFX web site is http://www.autofx.com

Have fun!

[slejhamer]

I've made a few changes to my action to simplify some of the processes.

Here is the before and after:

Before:
http://members.cox.net/mschlesinger/sfboy1.jpg

After:
http://members.cox.net/mschlesinger/sfboy2.jpg

As can be seen, the effect is very subtle, as I used low settings. They can be increased for a stronger "dreamy" effect. Also this perhaps isn't the best test subject, as it's a fairly smooth image as is.

The settings have more variability in the new version, so for those of you to whom I sent the action recently, please get the new version. You can download it here, but you must paste the reference into your web browser as this board apparently doesn't understand the apostrophe within the link:

http://members.cox.net/mschlesinger/Mitch's%20Soft%20Focus%20v2.atn

Please test it and offer suggestions for improvement, or variations. It should work with PS6 and 7 now, whereas previously it was only 7.

The technique I use is similar to the one dilokiam referenced, by Scott Kelby. The difference is the automated edge mask and added "glow" effect. A soft focus filter adds a general haziness to the scene, and is therefore more than just a skin smoother. That's what I've tried to capture here. Let me know what can be done to improve.

[jhankins]

Thanks Mitch!

I'll give it a shot this weekend.

[jhankins]

I tried your version 2. I like it! Easier to use and I was getting the look I was shooting for very easily. Nice job on the action!

Jim

[slejhamer]

Great, thanks for the feedback. If you or anyone thinks of improvements to be made, drop me a note.