Problem on Soft Focusing

[messara]

equipments: Rebel 2000, 28-135 IS USM, uv filter
capturing tech: 1/20sec, f5.6, exp+2/3, soft focusing, ISO400
scanner: 8000F, 6770x4400 jpeg, level 10
post processing: b-spline resized to 677x437 jpeg, level 10



( actual size: http://www.pbase.com/image/26669805.jpg )

I used the same technique with a 300D to capture some portraits. My friends looked at my results and gave me some funny faces. They said that the images were too blurry and seem that most of the people on earth do not generate this kind of picture So, is there any issue with this photo comparing to the normal protraits? I would like to learn more about this technique as it is very useful. Thanks for any advice. Messara

[JerryLi]

One thing is OK, but to mix the process too much is part of your problem is my first guess.


1. You have a IS lens that is designed to keep things 'sharp' when exposed.
2. You then, by use of a filter?, have soft focusing. This is making your image unsharp.
3. A fuzzy bear is not the best test for your experiment (fuzzy is generally not sharp.)


Here is a suggestion: try a different model (beach ball or anything with good edges.)
Use a notebook and record what you are doing. If you have a tripod, consider using it.
Try one image with IS on and no 'soft focusing.'
Then try one image with IS off and no 'soft focusing.'
Finally, try one image with IS off and 'soft focusing' on.

Now compare your results and see which is more to your liking.
= = =

equipments: Rebel 2000, 28-135 IS USM, uv filter
capturing tech: 1/20sec, f5.6, exp+2/3, soft focusing, ISO400
scanner: 8000F, 6770x4400 jpeg, level 10
post processing: b-spline resized to 677x437 jpeg, level 10

SNIP

I used the same technique with a 300D to capture some portraits. My friends looked at my results and gave me some funny faces. They said that the images were too blurry and seem that most of the people on earth do not generate this kind of picture So, is there any issue with this photo comparing to the normal protraits? I would like to learn more about this technique as it is very useful. Thanks for any advice. Messara

[messara]

One thing is OK, but to mix the process too much is part of your problem is my first guess.


1. You have a IS lens that is designed to keep things 'sharp' when exposed.
2. You then, by use of a filter?, have soft focusing. This is making your image unsharp.
3. A fuzzy bear is not the best test for your experiment (fuzzy is generally not sharp.)


Here is a suggestion: try a different model (beach ball or anything with good edges.)
Use a notebook and record what you are doing. If you have a tripod, consider using it.
Try one image with IS on and no 'soft focusing.'
Then try one image with IS off and no 'soft focusing.'
Finally, try one image with IS off and 'soft focusing' on.

Now compare your results and see which is more to your liking.
= = =

Thanks for your advice, JerryLi. I followed your suggestion and captured a few other shots with the similar subject. I can see the differences between them now. For the original bear shot, I did try to make it with a fuzzy feeling because of the subject. Although I have an IS lens, the image was captured by manual focus and without IS. I guess many people prefer images with high colour contrast to fuzzy/soft feeling, which is not my personal choice...