Using Gaussian Blur to achieve Soft Focus

Using Gaussian Blur to apply a soft focus effect

Software: Canvas 5
Platform: Mac OS and Windows

This procedure shows how to quickly apply a soft focus to an image.

For this procedure, we used a 300-ppi RGB image of a flower. This resolution is appropriate for an image that will be printed with a 150 lpi halftone screen.

For Web images, 72 ppi is the maximum image resolution required, because this is the standard screen resolution.Using a higher image resolution would increase the download time for the image.

For printed or web images, using a lower image resolution than normal can add to the dramatic effect.

Step 1: Copy and blur the image

Select the image and press Command+D (Mac) or Ctrl+D (Windows) to make a copy of the image.

Double click the image copy to go into edit mode. Choose Blur > Gaussian Blur in the Image menu. In the Gaussian Blur dialog box, click Preview to see how much blurring is applied. Choose a blur setting that throws the image details completely out of focus.

Choose Select > All in the Image menu. You'll see the selected area oultined with a marquee (also called "crawling ants").

Press Command+C (Mac) or Alt+C (Windows) to copy the selected image area.

Press ESC twice to leave edit mode, then press delete to remove the image copy.

The original image (above at 72 ppi), and after applying Gaussian Blur filter (below).

Step 2: Set the blurred the image on the original

Double-click the original image to go into edit mode. Press Command+V (Mac) or Alt+V (Windows) to paste the blurred image on top of the original.

Canvas pastes the blurred image as a floating selection; don't drop it! (The selection remains floating as long as you don't press Enter or ESC).

Choose Show Channels in the Image menu. Canvas opens the Image Channels palette. Slide the Floating Opacity slider left. Try and Opacity setting of 40 percent to 60 percent. You can use a lower setting for an even more subtle effect, or a higher Opacity for a really hazy look.

When you find the effect you want, press ESC twice to drop the floating selection into the image.

Edges emphasized with Unsharp Mask filter

Applying Unsharp Mask

Some images can be improved by sharpening the highlights after adding the blurred image.

To sharpen edges, Choose Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask. In the dialog box, set the amount to 100, the radius to 2 pixels, and the Threshold to 0. Turn on the preview option to see the effect, and press OK to apply the filter. You can strengthen the effect by applying the Unsharp Mask filter more than once.

Accentuating highlights

You can also accentuate lowlights, midtones and highlights by choosing Adjust > Color Balance in Image menu. The Color Balance dialog box lets you adjust color ranges to strengthen or diminish certain hues, which can complement the soft focus effect.

There are many combinations. Take some time to explore the possibilities.
The final image: softer and moodier