Soft Focus filter?

[Einst_Stein]

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I am going to take portraits for my parent in law. They are in their 80's.

 

First, I'll decide the camera and the lens. After back and forth, I settle on Contax 645 + 120mm and M9 + 90mm f2.8. Contax + 120mm looks slightly more creamy than M9 + 90mm, but within the preferred aperture ranges, M9 + 90mm has better depth of focus (meaning, easier to focus). Considering the long distance I'm going to fly, M9 is easier to carry. So the final is M9 + 90mm.

 

However, that less creamy look makes me thinking if I should add a soft focus filter. Don't laugh, I mean it. (yes, yes, I can use less sharp lens, I know, but, NO!). I had used Softar on Hasselblad for quite a while, but don't remember since when I stopped using it. B+W has a 46mm softar but called soft focus filter. That's the one I'm considering, but I'll have to mail order it.

 

Any suggestion? to soft or not to soft? or do it on PS? or ???

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[250swb]

It seems like an absurd idea to use a filter when post processing software is so much more controllable.

 

Steve

[Einst_Stein]

Giving there are many different favors in the soft filter, they all look different. I am not sure how to control the PS to get that artistic effect.

 

Can PS produce similar effects like Softar?

[earleygallery]

Just add the appropriate amount of blur in PS.

 

Or you can breathe on the Lens just before taking the shot, or use ladies stockings like they used to.

[rramesh]

Photoshop or you can try an APO Summicron 50 with CVF. :-)

[Einst_Stein]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

I tried Softar I, II, and Photoshop blurring. Not satisfied. But reducing "clarity" in Lightroom, works better for me.I tried reducing 30~50.

[tobey bilek]

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Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

I tried Softar I, II, and Photoshop blurring. Not satisfied. But reducing "clarity" in Lightroom, works better for me.I tried reducing 30~50.

 

For sure as an easy thing. Improve by using a mask and paint reduced clarity on the skin or use local adjustment tool in camera raw.

 

Anything you hang on the lens will change the entire picture, not just skin. Do not go more than Softar 1 if you go that route.

 

You tube has many vids on skin softening. Some get very professional and all are better than filters.