Plugin required (help)

Hi all

I am looking for good recommended plugin for PS CS3 that will create a soft mist or haize on my portrait images. This is the best way I can describe it. This type of effect.

http://www.statistica.unimib.it/utenti/paglia/secret/soft-portrait-7_3.jpg

I aready have portraiture plugins that softern the skin but not exactly what I am looking for.

Cheers Pete

Hi Pete,

experiment with gaussian blur. You already have it.. somewhere. I don't use PS so you'll have to have a dig round.

Cheers

Liam

In PSE 4 Gaussian blur is under filters - blur Gaussian. It is probably under a similar tag in CS3. As Liam suggest I would try playing with that before going for plugins.

In CS3 Gaussian Blur is found under Fliters, Blur.

CS3 has many features that are worth experimenting with. I would recommend Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Photographers by Martin Evening, which provides excellent explanation of and guidance on CS3 the use on CS3's feature set.

Pete,
You don't need any plugins. CS2 already had it.

Try this:

1. Duplicate the background layer (Ctrl-J)
2. Run the LENS BLUR and make a nice soft bokeh. It'll do the whole thing, but don't worry
3. Add a layer mask to the blurred layer (a show-all layer)
4. Now select the layer mask (click on it)
5. Pick a soft black brush, set to around 40% opacity and paint where you want the sharpness to be.

If the overall look is too soft, reduce the opacity of the blur layer.

(You can do the same thing with Gaussian blur, but it's not quite the same!)

Hopefully you can follow this... but I'm rather rushed

Matt

Greetings Pete et al,

First post here...

Would you call me a Luddite for suggesting breathing on the lens to create a mist effect and stretching a stocking/tights over the lens to give a softened effect.

When you only have a rubbish computer and no fancy software, you have to try other options!

Fine suggestion
Don't forget that there's a marked difference between black and white 'nets' over the lens.

Best bet to try this out is to get a second hand UV filter and experiment. Vaseline can be used as well

Matt

Cokin square filters can be good for this as well as there is no thread to have to try and clean it out of afterwards.

I wouldn't say that....I have really good computers, but love to get it right in camera so I can get great shots without having to photoshop everything....having both options is GREAT!

A trip to the one hour photophinisher can be good for business!

You go out get some images and have some fun. You head off to to walmart, let thier customers watch with curiosity as you pull a card outa; your camera and upload your images. You get some ooo's an awes, be generous with some tips, and hand out a card or three. (not really my clientel, but I've had two or three customers get out of line at the portrait counter and ask for my card when they found out I do location/environmental portraits.).

Hit the photo center by noon when they're busiest, and get your pics at one. By two it's off to a nice lounge (when they're not so busy)for coffee, where you examine your prints, and wind up with a waiter/waitress going gaga over your work and taking some cards for thier "up and coming" Model friends.

You sat out some of the worst light of the day and got some marketing done...time to go get some more photos.

I call that my day off.

long winded way to say it pays to "Get it right in camera"