Tatiane Eberhardt @ Clicio's Workshop

There are two ways of capturing someones attention to a single in a

photograph. Or by over/under-exposing certain areas or even bluring

it. To achieve the right blur directly through the lens I would have

to use a macro and get so close that probably would affect the light,

creating shadows. In this scenario I opt for using a digital blur, but

it sometimes gets devaluated during a critique... Whats your opinion

on this subject?

IMO some go overboard with blurring and skin smoothing to the point it no longer looks like a person, but but more like a wax work figure...it just doesn't appeal to me personally.

 

I like what you've done here because it really does look like controlled DOF. Her eyes and eyebrows are sharp; and cheeks have texture...I expect to see skin texture and you've provided it.

Fantastic work. Detail in eyes is ok for me. Personaly when I see close-up photos of beautiful eyes I just ignore the skin. But because you ask, I like this blur in your photo. Beautiful light (octagonal soft-box).

Perfect! 10/10 and I too agree with Mark on the wax figure look! Take care!

Your talk about selective bluring and the challenges of creating such effect with a lens made me immediately think of the Lensbabies lenses. I've never used a Lensbabies and don't know if it would have the effect you're looking for. Though, their web ads show photos with some interesting effects. Have you ever tried such a lens? Has anyone tried it with words of encouragement or caution?