Diffusuion Filters

[howard_grill]

I am interested in achieving the type of dreamy, misty, soft focus

effect that you sometimes see with landscapes done in forests....I

am hoping that it is clear what I mean. I know the effect can be

achieved by putting vaseline on or a nylon stocking over a filter

but am looking for something a little easier and reproducable. When

I chevk B&H Photo they have a whole page of choices: diffusion,

soft focus and several other choices from various manufacturers...it

is easy to get lost and not be certain which is best for landscapes

vs portraiture etc...I am wondering if anyone has any experience or

suggestions regarding this type of image making and with specific

filters.

 

Howard

[always_wanderlust]

You mean something like <a href="http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/gaussian.shtml"> THIS </a> ??

[howard_grill]

Exactly :>)

 

Howard

[dickhilker]

If you're printing digitally and use Photoshop, check this link: http://www.dustylens.com/creating_a_fog_effect.htm

 

I usually prefer to start with a sharp image (unless I'm shooting in a fog) and then work from there, rather than mess up the original.

[bruce levy]

I shoot both digital and film. Much of the stuff I do is soft and impressionistic. The one soft effect that I haven't seen duplicated in digital (although there are good approximations) is when you use a diffusion or fog filter under the enlarger lens, both for full exposure and partial exposure. It gives a really beautiful halation between lights and darks, and can be controlled to any degree. Norman Sieff used to use that (eg. back portrait on "Music from Big Pink" by The Band).

[robert_potts1]

Blow onto your filter. It's fully adjustable.

[pjmeade]

Blow on the lens is about right. I've heard of them called huh-filters!

 

Cokin produce pastel and diffusion filters.

[brien_szabo]

Well any thread that mentions The Band is worth getting in on. They are one of the greatest and under appreciated groups in Rock-n-Roll.

 

With that said, I too like to shoot with the diffuser from time to time. They can come in a few forms depending on how much you want to diffuse. Others have mentioned some effective ways. I own two diffusers, one that is very mild and one that is moderate.

 

Copy and Paste below to see an example of a moderate diffuser:

 

http://www.natureimages321.com/NatureImagesII/Grasses%20and%20Flower.htm

[howard_grill]

Hi Brien...Could you be a little more specific as to the brand and filter name/number that you used as that is the type of effect I was looking for...nice image. By the way, I am from New Jersey originally as well...though not from the more picturesque region. Originally from Newark and now in PA.

 

Howard