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09/17/2005 02:47:13 PM · #1 |
How does one obtain a real soft focus or a real sharp focus? What factors play a role? Thank you.
Message edited by author 2005-09-19 13:12:47. |
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09/17/2005 02:56:26 PM · #2 |
Well, i think the soft focus is achieved by using a soft focus lens, using a diffuser filter or in post processing. I have heard that if you put a pantyhose in front of the lens and shoot through it it acts as a diffuser as well. Real sharp focus is achived with well, focusing right and then sharpening a little in post processing. All photos need sharpening after they've been taken, no picture is tack-sharp straight out of the camera. I hope that helps.
June
Message edited by author 2005-09-17 14:57:27.
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09/17/2005 02:58:47 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by pearlseyes:
How does one obtain a real soft focus or a real sharp focus? What factors play a role? Thank you. |
A soft focus like in wedding photos can be done with a filter attached to the camera or post-production on the computer.
A sharp focus will depend on the quality of a lens. A tripod will help to make sharp focus, because when you press the shutter the camera may shake depending on your in camera settings. Some camera/lenses have a feature called IS that helps with shake.
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09/17/2005 03:35:06 PM · #4 |
Thank you. I can't wait to get an SLR so I can experiment with different lenses. Maybe for Christmas....
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09/17/2005 04:27:19 PM · #5 |
Soft focus, done right, can be a very attractive effect for some shots. IMO, it's best achieved in post-processing, starting with a sharply-focussed original. The soft-focus effect is applied gently to leave the suggestion of sharp detail, and the eyes are left sharper.
A soft-focus shot looks totally different than an out-of-focus shot.
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09/17/2005 04:30:14 PM · #6 |
| How do you achieve a soft focus in ps? gaussian blur? |
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09/17/2005 04:32:22 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Refwhett:
How do you achieve a soft focus in ps? gaussian blur? |
i know how to thats not legal in basic or advanced editing, duplicate the background layer then blur it then lower the opacity of it a bit
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09/17/2005 04:58:06 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Refwhett:
How do you achieve a soft focus in ps? gaussian blur? |
For general use, DPC legal for advanced editing only:
- Sharpen the base layer, almost a little "too" sharp
- Duplicate the base layer
- Gaussian blur the duplicated layer, try 4px to start
- Adjust the opacity of the blurred layer down to between 25% to 45%, depending on taste and the particular photo
- Add a layer mask ot the blur layer, and paint back in shme sharpness in the eyes
The following variation on the technique is legal for basic editing:
- Sharpen the photo as above
- Gaussian blur, try 4px to start
- Edit>Fade Gaussian Blur, fade to 25%-45% as desired. Do not change blending mode.
Note that the effect will appear less visible if applied to a full-size pic and then resized, so for submissions, I suggest performing the soft-focus on the resized pic. Also, realize that applying soft focus will decrease contrast somewhat, and conversely, increasin contrast after applying soft focus will lessen the visibility of the effect.
The radius required for the soft focus effect might be a small as 3px for 640px sized shots, or significanlty greater for large images. You might also try multiple passes, with different radii and different opacitites.
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09/17/2005 04:58:44 PM · #9 |
| how is that not legal in advance editing? |
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