Soft focus effects

[colinrb]

I am looking for a soft focus effect for landscapes and portraits that does NOT involve using gaussian blur.
The filter I have, and would like to replicate in Photoshop, doesn't blur details, it reduces contrast slightly, highlights seem to glow, and there is a slight haze.
It is a nice effect for landscapes.

 

[HenryL]

I don't know if it is what you are looking for, but if you use Lightroom try reducing the clarity slider. It does what I think you are describing.

 

[colinrb]

I don't know if it is what you are looking for, but if you use Lightroom try reducing the clarity slider. It does what I think you are describing.

I have tried the clarity and texture sliders, but they don't give the same effect.
I suspect I will have to stick with a real filter, which is the Formatt Clear Movie Mist 4 (they are now Formatt-Hitech).

 

[stevelee]

Have you tried the Smart Blur filter? It gives you some control over some of the things you mentioned.

You might also explore channel-based selections and masks created by Find Edges and other filters. Then you can blur the selections on separate layers (and/or use smart objects) and use different settings in the fade command or layer blending modes.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

You can use the brush in lightroom to create layers of blur. Its not as accurate in selecting objects and creating layers in Photoshop, but a quick and easy way to experiment.

I used to have a Canon soft focus lens but it did not get much use, so I let it go. Then, I bought a Nikon AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2 D when I saw it on Craigslist for half of its value. I Can't remember if I had a Nikon DSLR or adapted it to one of my Cannon's, but after playing with it, I realized it would not get enough use to justify keeping, so I sold it too.

I'm not picky, so software solutions work for the few times I want it.

 

[stevelee]

Hardware solutions: panty hose; UV filter and Vaseline

 

[StoicalEtcher]

Hardware solutions: panty hose; UV filter and Vaseline

Hope you're suggesting that as a solution to soft focus Steve , on first glance, the mind boggles....

(Only joking of course - I'm old enough to have used stockings and vaseline over the odd lens too)..

Cheers, Stoical.