BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Photography Special Effects

Photography Question 

Linda Buchanan
 

Dreamy Software


I have seen on this forum a recommendation for a free download of a software that gives a softened look to a photo. The word "dream" or "dreamy" was in it. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Thanks so much for the help.


To love this question, log in above
November 17, 2005

 

Nobu Nagase
  This is the link to that recent discussion ... just one of many...
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.php?threadID=20467


To love this comment, log in above
November 17, 2005

 

Linda Buchanan
  Thank you. It worked just fine.


To love this comment, log in above
November 18, 2005

 

Justin G.
  Or an alternate version: Create a new layer, apply a Gaussian blur to your liking, probably around 9-10px depending on the size of the photo. Lower opacity on layer to around 15-45% (again to your liking). Now layer mask out eyes, nose lines, ears, jawbone, other sharp areas on the face. Be sure to use a really soft brush to get a realistic look.
*Note: I'm not saying this is better or worse. I've never used the other one, it's just another way of doing things.
Have fun!
Justin


To love this comment, log in above
November 18, 2005

 

Michelle R. Kovach
  http://www.autofx.com/freeplugins/dreamyphoto.php?id=7
Here's the link to download the free version of the Dreamy Photo by Auto FX Software.
I always tone down the balances to about half of the default settings just to give it a nice soft feel to it & not overpower the image.
Have fun!


To love this comment, log in above
November 22, 2005

 

Susan L. Vasquez
  I'm in agreement with Justin, although it's not exactly how I go about my "dream" look, it is pretty close.
I think this works better than the filters that are available and you have more control over your image.

ps: I'll try your settings Justin. Usually I don't blur as much and I never though to lower the opacity.


To love this comment, log in above
November 22, 2005

 

Justin G.
  All it does is give you a tad more control. Now you have control over the amount of blur, then with opacity you have control over the overall effect. Also for a dreamier effect change the blending mode to screen and play with both controls, the opacity and fill. I'm going off of my head here so I can't tell you exactly what it does (except lighten and blur). I can give some more specs when I get home and actually get on my PS.

Justin


To love this comment, log in above
November 22, 2005

 

Susan L. Vasquez
  Exactly! When you use a filter you lose control over what gets "dreamy" and what doesn't. I like to keep the eyes sharp.

This is how I usually get my effect.
Create 3 duplicate layers of the same image.

bottom layer is the original with no change

middle layer is gaussian blurred around 4.8 (give or take)
I use a soft brush to erase parts I want to keep sharp (ie. eyes)

top layer is usually set on "soft light" Sometimes you may need to lighten this layer using levels & color adjust to your liking.

After I am finished I will flatten the image and perhaps do a bit of unsharp mask.

Two images in my gallery are a good example of my technique.
Beauty is.. and Pretty Boy.

I think Justin's way of doing it might be less labor intensive, but this is a way that has worked for me very well. Much better than any filter has.


To love this comment, log in above
November 22, 2005

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread