• Duplicate the original layer by opening the layers folder (F7)
and dragging the background layer to the Create a new layer icon as shown
on the right... Repeat this action so you have two copy layers...
• Select the background copy layer, and click on Filter... Blur...
Gaussian Blur... and set the Radius to about 4, but you can alter this
setting to suit the image you are working on... Repeat this action with
the other background copy...
• Your image will look way too blurry so here’s what you do
next... Select the background copy layer and set the blending mode to
Lighten... Repeat this action with the other background copy but set the
blending mode to Darken...
• Now adjust the Opacity sliders on both of the background copy
layers until you reach the desired effect, 50% for each layer is a good
starting point...
• Now select the eraser tool and erase the top layer over the subjects
eyes if you are doing a portrait as you always want the eyes sharp in
a portrait even when doing a soft focus effect...
Method 2...
• From the Menu bar click on Image... Duplicate... Photoshop will
automatically select your image name followed by the word copy... Click
on OK... You should now have two images open, the original plus the copy...
• Select the copy image and click on Image... Adjustments... Desaturate...
or press Shift+Ctrl+U together...
• Now click on Filter... Blur... Gaussian Blur... and set the Radius
to about 9, but you can alter this setting to suit the image you are working
on...
• You now drag the Blurred desaturated copy image over onto the
original colour image...
•
click on the layers pallet (F7) and set the blending mode to soft light
for a normal soft focus, or you might want to try screen if you are trying
to create a high key version... You can adjust the opacity of this layer
if you wish but if you set the Gaussian Blur to about 9 there should be
no need to...
• Now select the eraser tool and erase the top layer over the subjects
eyes if you are doing a portrait as you always want the eyes sharp in
a portrait even when doing a soft focus effect...
