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DPChallenge Forums >> Current Challenge >> I hate Soft Focus
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Showing posts 1 - 25 of 65, (reverse)
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08/21/2006 09:57:31 PM · #1
All my pics just look blurry... i have a point and shoot... i tried panty hose, but it looked too dark... i tried saran wrap with vasaline on it... too blurry... HELP????
08/21/2006 09:58:47 PM · #2
Take the picture normally. Use Photoshop to blur it.
08/21/2006 10:13:31 PM · #3
what color hose were you using? Nude work the best or light grey.
08/21/2006 10:14:11 PM · #4
can we use neatimage to 'blur' the image?
08/21/2006 10:20:53 PM · #5
I think I've posted this about a half-billion times, and it's only realy helpful for those using Photoshop or programs with similar functions, but... in order to get a good sof-focus effect in post, try this:

- Apply gaussian blur, 3 to 6 px radius
- Immediately after blurring, select Edit>Fade Gaussian Blur and reduce the opacity to between 25 and 40% or to taste. Don't change the blend mode, doing so is not legal in Basic.

That's it!

Edit:
Remember, soft focus doesn't mean blurry. It means that objects have a soft, diffuse glow, but higher contrast detail remains visible. Very low contrast detail, like skin texture, appears less apparent.

Message edited by author 2006-08-21 22:22:21.
08/21/2006 10:22:23 PM · #6
Originally posted by kirbic:

I think I've posted this about a half-billion times, and it's only realy helpful for those using Photoshop or programs with similar functions, but... in order to get a good sof-focus effect in post, try this:

- Apply gaussian blur, 3 to 6 px radius
- Immediately after blurring, select Edit>Fade Gaussian Blur and reduce the opacity to between 25 and 40% or to taste. Don't change the blend mode, doing so is not legal in Basic.

That's it!


Hehehehe...Kirbic...can you place that on the front page so everyone sees it. Then you won't have to type it again....running away reaaaaaaaaaaaaaal fast!!!!
08/21/2006 10:24:18 PM · #7
Originally posted by Judi:


Hehehehe...Kirbic...can you place that on the front page so everyone sees it. Then you won't have to type it again....running away reaaaaaaaaaaaaaal fast!!!!


If I had half a brain, I'd copy it to a text file so I could just cut/paste it!
08/21/2006 10:24:22 PM · #8
can we use neatimage to 'blur' the image?
08/21/2006 10:27:04 PM · #9
Originally posted by saintaugust:

can we use neatimage to 'blur' the image?


Filters: The use of filters (or non-Photoshop equivalent) is strictly limited. Any filter or stand-alone utility designed and used to preserve the integrity of the image and/or reduce the effects of noise, scratches, etc, are permitted. These include but are not limited to the Sharpen, Unsharp Mask, and Dust & Scratches filters, and standalone image cleanup utilities such as NeatImage.
08/21/2006 10:28:29 PM · #10
Originally posted by saintaugust:

can we use neatimage to 'blur' the image?


Yes, I suppose you could do that... be aware that using NeatImage to that extreme is going to result in all-but-obliterated detail, and the voters will probably not respond positively.
08/21/2006 10:30:57 PM · #11
good thing i have 'neat image 42.0' that preserves detail just by thinking about it.
08/21/2006 10:52:33 PM · #12
I think Neat Image is gonna make a really ugly blur. I wouldn't advise it. Kirbic method is a good one.
08/21/2006 11:47:39 PM · #13
This may, or may not have been touched on, but, here it goes anyway.

Every type of nylon is going to give a differant look. The best nylon is probly the most expensive since it has a shearer look. Nets, and mesh can be used too with some success.

Point and shoots will have to experiment with more shearer nylon. Even the bridal fabric, the net stuff that comes in white and thousands of other colors work, but the trick is to not let the gadge of the net, or nylon be seen.

SLR's can put the fabric on the rear element of a lens.

NO, not on the element it self, but, using elemers glue, or clear nail polish to adhere the mesh, nylon, or net around the outside of the rear element, trimming the excess.

Even fabric that has that 'pasley' in the gadge I have seen used before to give a really interesting look.

Denatured alcohol works well to clean the adhesive off of the lens when done.

This technique is only for the brave, and for the pro.

My entry in the soft focus used this technique.

Message edited by author 2006-08-21 23:48:28.
08/22/2006 12:22:24 AM · #14
For what its worth, I, too have but a wee P&S and I did a few shots using a bit of plastic...the kind a cd that has no case might come in.
I thought it worked very well!! The results were much better then expected.
Keep experimenting you'll find the right method!
08/22/2006 12:38:33 AM · #15
Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by saintaugust:

can we use neatimage to 'blur' the image?


Yes, I suppose you could do that... be aware that using NeatImage to that extreme is going to result in all-but-obliterated detail, and the voters will probably not respond positively.


Voters had a positive reaction to this photo where it was used:


08/22/2006 04:24:54 AM · #16
Neatimage can be excellent for bluring and adding a dreamy effect and it`s basic editing legal.
One i did a while back.




08/22/2006 05:59:53 AM · #17
Amen to that, I hate this technique and I frankly have only ever seen a handful of pictures soft focus improves. I´m staying away from this challenge altogether, not even gonna vote caus I´d probably vote a 3.5 average or something... :P
08/22/2006 07:06:45 AM · #18
Originally posted by Rae-Ann:

For what its worth, I, too have but a wee P&S and I did a few shots using a bit of plastic...the kind a cd that has no case might come in.
I thought it worked very well!! The results were much better then expected.
Keep experimenting you'll find the right method!


That's what I did and I found it more effective than using gaussian blur or NI. The gaussian blur looked "flat" and we know what NI can do to a picture if used too much.
08/22/2006 07:36:13 AM · #19
Thanks everyone!!!! I tried a ziploc sandwich bag last night... it seemed to do ok... not exactly sure if I am pleased yet... but I have a few more hours to go!!!

I'm going to try the plastic from the CD too... sounds like it might work... the post processing stuff would probably get me in trouble... i dont know enough about it to make it effective, and I think its basic editing... My luck I would do something too much and get a DQ.

Thanks again for the help everyone!!
08/22/2006 07:40:52 AM · #20
Originally posted by kirbic:

I think I've posted this about a half-billion times


Maybe the audience is screaming for a full tutorial with sample images and everything ;) Just a thought!
08/22/2006 08:15:26 AM · #21
I just saw this and want to know why you can't just use the soft focus that is listed under "adjust"? Not in the layers area but where it says brightness and contrast or gausian blur or sharpen or soft. It's not a layer. If you can't I need to know why so I don't use it again and I can reshoot today.
08/22/2006 09:46:06 AM · #22
Does anyone know the answer to my question please?
08/22/2006 09:51:54 AM · #23
Originally posted by edslone:

Does anyone know the answer to my question please?


Ed,

I can't figure out what you're referring to. Can you be more specific? What editing program are you using, and if it is Photoshop or Elements, what version? Where exactly are you finding this option?

R.
08/22/2006 10:15:58 AM · #24
I have Paint Shop Pro 6, but I am using a trial version of Corel Paint Shop Pro X. I am hoping to upgrade to that one in a few months when I can but I want to try it out first. My soft focus is under "adjust" and not in the layers area so I am a little confused.
08/22/2006 10:16:45 AM · #25
I should really try to do this one. Everyone tells me that my pictures are either slightly OOF or have a real soft focus on xxxx.
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