Using filters

[Crockett]

A fellow over at the General discussion forum said I should ask this question here.

I'm a newbie to photography but have played with a SLR in my distant past. I've bought a Canon XTi and have been told I should have a filter for portrait photography -- to soften the faces of my "older" subjects.

I realize Photoshop will help here but will a filter also help? I have Elements 2.0.

Does anyone have any advice for me? Would a filter be a benefit -- and if so, what filter (color) should I be looking at?

Thanks,
Crockett

[schrackman]

I like Hoya filters, and they do make a nice soft filter: http://www.hoyafilter.com/products/hoya/sdef-07.html

Conversely, you might wish to check out some digital filters for use in your image editing program, such as NoBS: http://www.nobsphotosuccess.com/

I think they will work with Elements but it would be best to contact them first to make sure.