How to get those soft photos

[JKD]

I've been looking around and see alot of pictures that look very soft and warm. I'm wondering how I could achieve results like these.

This is an example http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1031&message=11573126

Look at shots 1-4 and you'll see how soft they lok.

Anyone know how to get this effect?

[sdommin]

That effect is achieved by using layers.

First, take your photo...
http://www.pbase.com/sdommin/image/37887173.jpg

Then, duplicate your image, so that you have 2 layers - your original image and a copy of your image. Then, select only your copy layer, and apply a "gaussian blur" to it...
http://www.pbase.com/sdommin/image/37887192.jpg

Finally, you want to merge the two images back together. You want the blurred image to be somewhat transparent, so that the original, sharp image stands out more. Experiment with different opacities...
http://www.pbase.com/sdommin/image/37887260.jpg

[JKD]

Wow, thanks for that explantion, that was the most helpful post I've ever recieved. Can you tell me how to put the two images together in PSE2? I get as far as the blur on the second image but I don't know how to merge them. Any help appreciated.

Thank you.

[bachscuttler]

There is also a free plug-in set that will give you this effect and many more called 'Virtual Photographer' by OptikVerve Labs (http://www.optikvervelabs.com/)

Here are some examples of the effect using VP:

1 (http://images.fotopic.net/y5auaf.jpg) 2 (http://images.fotopic.net/y5aua8.jpg) 3 (http://images.fotopic.net/y5fvwq.jpg) 4 (http://images.fotopic.net/y5fvwp.jpg) 5 (http://images.fotopic.net/y58diy.jpg)

[JKD]

Thanks, plugin helped alot.

[sdommin]

Can you tell me how to put the two images together in PSE2? I get as far as the blur on the second image but I don't know how to merge them.

I'm not all that familiar with PSE2, but I think the command you want is called "flatten". That will do the final merge. But before you do that, you need to find & display the dialog box that lets you control the different layers. There should be a slider there that lets you control the opacity of the blurred layer.

[JKD]

Looks like there isnt, but I'm pretty incompetant when it comes to PSE.

[sdommin]

How about under "Layer" ---> "Flatten Image". That's in PhotoShop 7, do you have it in PSE?

[JKD]

Yes... I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Perhaps someone could post step by step instructions on how to create a layer in PSE?

[PacAce]

Yes... I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Perhaps someone could post step by step instructions on how to create a layer in PSE?

Unfortunately, PSE does not have layer capabilities. You have to take a step up from PSE to PS to get that. As with most other "give aways", they give you just enough to get hooked. Then they want you to pay if you want the really good stuff, which layers is, IMHO. :lol:

[sparker1]

Photoshop Elements does indeed include layer capabilities.

[Penguin_101_1]

Yes... I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Perhaps someone could post step by step instructions on how to create a layer in PSE?
Shift>Ctrl>N

[PacAce]

Photoshop Elements does indeed include layer capabilities.

You are absolutely correct. My apologies. I was mistakenly thinking about the channels layers which PSE does not support. Sorry. :confused: :o

[sdommin]

You can also use this technique on portraits of women and kids (not really recommended for men!). I exaggerated the effect here, and reduced the effect in her face only, so that part shows as sharper than the rest...

http://www.pbase.com/sdommin/image/37945509.jpg

[Steven M. Anthony]

There is also a free plug-in set that will give you this effect and many more called 'Virtual Photographer' by OptikVerve Labs (http://www.optikvervelabs.com/)

Here are some examples of the effect using VP:

1 (http://images.fotopic.net/y5auaf.jpg) 2 (http://images.fotopic.net/y5aua8.jpg) 3 (http://images.fotopic.net/y5fvwq.jpg) 4 (http://images.fotopic.net/y5fvwp.jpg) 5 (http://images.fotopic.net/y58diy.jpg)

I downloaded this yesterday and it is fantastic--and free!

[charlesu]

In addition to doing the gaussian blur on the copy layer, consider changing the light type from normal to something like screen, lighten, overlay, soft light, etc.