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09/28/2005 09:23:28 PM · #1 |
Is there a special trick to using Gaussian Blur on a challenge entry? Everyone who's commented on mine has said that it's blurry. Yeah, that's because I blurred it. :)
I only set the control to 4 pixels to try and create a nice, soft look...guess I'm missing something here?
Insight, anyone?
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09/28/2005 09:31:53 PM · #2 |
I also blurred mine just a bit and the only comment I've got is "Looks blurry"... I should have remembered that voters like things very crisp in most circumstances. But, it's been awhile since I entered. And, no one has noticed the dust spots! :)
Message edited by author 2005-09-28 21:36:41. |
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09/28/2005 09:34:57 PM · #3 |
Hmm, blur is a big matter of taste thing it seems. Some people like it when used in the right image. (I do) But then there are some that just like everything tack sharp. Of course, even if applying blur for softness, you still need to start with a focused picture, you can't try to use blur to 'save' a shot, it will usually show.
That being said :-), when I use gaussian blur, what I do is set the control way up, til it's like totally blurred out of recognition, then drop the opacity way down to get the look I'm after. Gives more control, I think, and you can see the difference as you move the slider.
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09/28/2005 09:37:49 PM · #4 |
We talking basic editing here? You can blur and then use USM over that to get some fairly misty effects with sharpness lurking in 'em.
R.
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09/28/2005 09:41:37 PM · #5 |
| Which program are you talking about? I am shopping for editing software and am not sure which to lean toward. |
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09/28/2005 09:46:12 PM · #6 |
Noggin - I'm using the wonderful Photoshop Elements 2 (heavy sarcasm, Elements is totally lacking), as I can't afford CS2 yet... If you can get anything, I'd recommend Photoshop CS2, it's the best.
bear_music - Yes, basic editing. Thanks for the tip! I'll have to give that a try.
taterbug & moswyn - Gotta love the obvious comments. I guess my taste differs from the majority...oh well.
Thank you all for the insight!
Message edited by author 2005-09-28 21:47:00.
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09/28/2005 10:01:48 PM · #7 |
cs cs2 try making a copy of the background image then blur the copy then overlay then mess with transparent
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09/28/2005 10:34:43 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by gclark:
cs cs2 try making a copy of the background image then blur the copy then overlay then mess with transparent |
note: this isn't legal in basic editing. No layers containing pixel data are allowed.
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09/28/2005 10:38:59 PM · #9 |
The "legal in basic" way of doing a soft focus technique is:
- Apply gaussian blur, usually about 4px is fine
- Immediately do Edit>Fade Gaussian Blur and adjust to 25-40%, make sure you leave the blend mode in the default "normal" mode.
- Readjust contrast slightly if required
That's all there is to it! What you want is to show the sharp detail, but with gentle softening and a "glow" around the lighter tones. If the detail is all blurred, it does not look good.
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