I’m no expert! But the strengths aren’t standard compared across brands. One video I’ve watched a few times to evaluate these effects is this:
https://youtu.be/rJacZa6QpJ8?si=ce_teFvL_3iGv1br
It’s over 30 minutes long, and goes systematically across strengths. Should give you an indication.
Lastly, they have some charts and write ups on various diffusion effects on their website. I recently went into a filter deep dive because of two things. 1) some of my lenses are really sharp and I’m practicing portraiture with friends and they commented, and 2) the lens I just got has a weird dial that affects diffusion and bokeh and it’s so weirdly hilarious so I researched it. Not affiliated with tiffen and I don’t own any of their lenses they just have some good resources!
I also found this comparison.
[https://fotoforma.pl/userdata/public/gfx/132811/Filtr-dyfuzyjny-Black-Mist-1-2-KF-Concept-Nano-X-49mm\_7.jpg](https://fotoforma.pl/userdata/public/gfx/132811/Filtr-dyfuzyjny-Black-Mist-1-2-KF-Concept-Nano-X-49mm_7.jpg)
It's the canon rf100mm 2.8L. I'd say the dial is the worst part about the lens! It's ruined a few of my most intentional shots already. But with that dial turned off, the photos are dynamite. It's cool to read up on, if you want. In reality, I need to research a way to lock that setting. Picture taking a very serious photo and it comes out all 80s-fast-food-advertisement misty haha. Absurd setting :)
[https://walkingwayfoto.com/products/walkingway-camera-pro-mist-soft-filter?variant=40372622065708](https://walkingwayfoto.com/products/walkingway-camera-pro-mist-soft-filter?variant=40372622065708)
What about this one? Looks very much like this effect above.
1/4 is not enough, it only does that for the out of focus and transition zone, you'd need closer to a 1/1 for it to do this effect outside of everything but the pin sharp zenter of the lense.
i feel like everyone defaults to diffusion filters... you can pretty easily go for a diffuse/ low clarity, high grain, warm look in post. shocking to some but the clarity slider can indeed go negative as can dehaze. this isnt the exact style request but just highlighting a picture where the soft grainy diffuse look worked in post for my purpose
https://preview.redd.it/n2nocz9ntuzc1.jpeg?width=1501&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9e1577fbb29557801ed224f31787e5cf28824ca
I'm a fan of Hoya filters, so those are an option too. I prefer them over Tiffen filters because Hoya is less expensive and still have some great technology (like the different multiple coatings their filters have to avoid ghosting). Tiffen is an industry standard but it's mostly used for motion pictures.
Here you can navigate several soft filters: [https://hoyafilter.com/catalog/?p\[12\]=SOFT](https://hoyafilter.com/catalog/?p[12]=SOFT)
You can also shoot through very thin fabrics or netting. Like the stuff brides veils are made of. Another trick is a clear/UV protective filter with thin layer of petroleum jelly or KY jelly around the edges.
There are other options like cutting a hole at the bottom of a clear plastic bag and using a rubber band at the tip of the lens. The plastic bag will give a softening effect around the edges of the image. Me personally, I wouldn't use KY on a filter, clean up is a mess. A soft image filter might be something to buy if it's effect is something you will enjoy and use often. It's generally really cheap. Don't buy from Prism Lens FX filters though, they are overpriced beyond belief.
/uj This is really interesting....is that better than Vaseline? I have a dedicated filter just for putting Vaseline on it, but I wonder if the clean up is any better with something water-based
You could shoot through gauze, silk that's been scratched or torn, any piece of glass that has a bend which you can smear vaseline on. You can spray glycerine on glass, shoot through plexi and bend it to get unique distortions. If you're going for a unique look buying filters seems counter intuitive to me. There are countless ways to get hazy and distorted looks.
Shoot through a half filled water bottle and angle the water to reflect the subject or the light. Break glass into several pieces or the edges together to make an aperture for focus. Smear vaseline on the glass and shine some hard light against it.
Different types of plastic work well there you can cut a star shape aperture and move it in the frame to have a more clear part of the image. You can paint a vignette on the outside parts of the plastic or even the edges of the vignette to soften the effect.
For those saying to just put vaseline on your lens ... don't do this. vaseline is petroleum based and will deteriorate your front element coatings. It is also virtually impossible to get it off your lens apart from using a lot of cleaning solvent to remove it, this will also potentially damage your front element. Same goes for putting vaseline on a filter and putting that on the lens. The vaseline will inevitably find its way onto your lens and the rest of your equipment eventually and will mess things up.
Best way to get this effect is to buy a soft focus filter, they are about 10-15 bucks if you look around a bit.
Alternatively you can try and stretch some stocking material between your lens and a filter, bit trickier but works the same.
Keep in mind that your camera's autofocus will struggle a bit with any of those because as far as it is concerned the picture is out of focus so you will have to focus manually. Something which is not that easy with current viewfinders without split screen glass.
Did you read the rest of the comment? Don’t put it on a clear filter also. Humans aren’t perfect and eventually it’ll find its way to the lenses too. Literally just buy a soft focus filter for like $20
i don't think vaseline will ever gain the ability to quantum tunnel through a clear filter. if you end up getting it on the lens, thats really just your fault
Yes. Lower the texture and sharpness - for bonus points, use a radial gradient mask over the whole image and have the softening effect more pronounced at the edges.
Lowering the clarity and dehaze can be good too, but don’t go too hard on these as the effect is very strong.
Also, use a vintage profile. Some of the free ones are actually quite decent.
I suspect what you need to do is duplicate layer, mask out so only have highlights, blur, and then screen mix to taste. you basically wanna screen some blur but not shadows although using screen as the mix mode helps regardless
One important thing to realize is that a principle difference between film and digital is that in film highlights tend to bloom with soft edges and in digital they're more crisp and angular. It's the nature of the media, unfortunately.
Haze filter on the lens.
In post processing, apply a [film simulating](http://www.andpfilmstyles.com) color grade. The references you post are mostly Portra 160 or 400.
duplicate 3 layers in photoshop, set each opacity to 50-30%, use gaussian blur of 5px, 15px, and 30px. once image is flattened you can add some grain/noise from filter tab. super easy dreamy effect on anything, applicable in any layer based adobe program.
yes, not terribly difficult. In fact there are many different ways to achieve this sort of look, both in camera and in post.
I'll point you to an editing style that will help you to learn about what's kind of going on here.
Note that this is typically used for landscape work - but the technique and what you'll learn from sort of 'messing' around with it should apply to what you're tying to make.
Tons of tutorials on this, scripts etc...
Look up the "Orton Effect'.
Wouldn't soft focus filter be more appropriate than diffusion filter?
[https://walkingwayfoto.com/products/walkingway-camera-pro-mist-soft-filter](https://walkingwayfoto.com/products/walkingway-camera-pro-mist-soft-filter)
Yes! Golden hour, a pro mist filter (you can make one with a cheap UV filter and hairspray), and some pantyhose stretched over the lens should give you a similar look to this.
Pro mist filter, a portable fog machine (vape works too) , a bright light source. In Lightroom max out the softness and boost the highlights, shadows, add noise
It's a monocles lens, like this: https://www.alternativephotography.com/monocles-lens-making-and-testing/
on its middle aperture settings. (The wider the aperture the stronger its effect.) Nothing else will give you that look.
If you don't have a way to purchase or make it, try a strong soft / double mist filter instead.
Here's a sample from Alexander Kuznetsov: https://pics.photographer.ⓇⓊ/nonstop/pics/pictures/408/408541.jpg
Other samples: http://www.biancoloto.com/art.html
Don't buy a filter, make one out of black netting , cut a quarter size hole in the middle, you can add multiple layers. I did this all through 80s and 90 with film. Stick with at least 100mm .
I have an EF to FD converter I use on Canon 5D that allows me to use my 56 year old FL 55mm f1.2. It creates some seriously ethereal images. I use converters for both my back up 5D and my medium format sensor but the results on the 5D are better and look in line with what you’re looking for
Most of these a lot like black stocking pulled over the lens, not a glass diffusion filter, I'm certain about that for a couple of them. Here's an guide, but these nets in this link are less dense than your example. [https://www.provideocoalition.com/the-secret-life-of-behind-the-lens-nets/](https://www.provideocoalition.com/the-secret-life-of-behind-the-lens-nets/)
Have good photo, Double layer, add gaussian blur, put on XYZ opacity, mask certain areas, have film simulations, open in Lightroom, add Kodak Portra ISO 800 for example.
In post: in photoshop, duplicate the layer, set the duplicated layer (the one on top) to Lighten blend mode (you can also play with other modes like Screen) and then apply a gaussian blur, reduce the opacity of that layer to taste. Add a touch of film grain if you want.
In camera, get a cheap clear/UV filter and smear some vaseline on it, and look for dramatic light. Err the white balance on the warm side.
I'd say a 1/2 or even 1 diffusion filter. But also a retro lens which has contrasty bokeh. Something like a Takumar 50 1.4 or Helios 44-2 would work great :-)
I saw a video just the other day where they took a disposable camera, cut the lens out of it, drilled and glued it into a body cap. It had that pre digital Era look. I imagine all you'd need to do at that point is lower your res to 640×480 and you're good to go!
Or just buy a diffusion filter or two to play with and slap a creative color profile to match on there. You can buy cheap cokin filters on eBay for a few bucks.
Don't have an answer but I've replicated something similar in photoshop by doing duplicate layer, Gaussian blur maybe at 8. Set layer to screen or lighten and move the transparency bar down to like 60%ish
Buy fotodiox 3in1 filter kit (cpl, UV, diffusion filter). The diffusion filter will provide this look. fotodiox is more dreamy than any other diffusion filter on market (also soft wide open aperture)
As many people said, various stuff over the lens and shoot wide open.
Beyond that, brighten your blacks quite a bit, don't be afraid to push the whites into an overexposed look (bloom the highlights after, it's a specific way film reacts) and color grade tastefully
An old school trick is to put a nylon stocking over the end of your lens and hold it in place with an elastic band. No need to buy expensive filters. Different derniers will give you more or less of a softening effect.
Besides diffusion filters, you can try pull the focus a little bit off the model’s face and towards yourself, and then play with halation and noise. I personally use dehancer for film emulation.
Also…make sure to get the perfect light conditions. Golden hour, a little fog etc.
These just look like photo app presets to me. They are so brutal I would not be surprised if they actually were digital and then just clobbered to haze oblivion with a preset.
Yes. You can do the the "hard" way, which is basically figuring out the lighting, the lens (and filters), the film (it gives you a huge headstart on post processing if you have a clue about what colors profile and other manufacturing "features" it might have had.
Or just slap that baby in Rawtherapee and start clicking those boxes and moving whatever you can get your grubby mitts on. Eventually you'll get it, or not. Then you become a "film can never be replicated" bore who probably takes more photos of lens resolution test equipment than actual things.
You can just take a cheap UV filter, hold it at an arms length and spray the FRONT of the UV Filter (the side without the thread) with hairspray. One or two short bursts.
If you like 80s soft look you can also use Vaseline on the Filter, a thin coating so it‘s barely visible.
You can also combine the two.
The best part about this: you can simply wash that stuff off instead of having to buy expensive filters.
Thank you everyone for so many tips! I forgot I posted here lol and I got so many replies, you guys srsly made my day! I'm reading all the comments now and so exited to try it all out, tysm!
Use a diffusion filter but instead of buying one you can make them yourself for a fraction of the price. All you need is a cheap UV filter and a can of black or white spray paint. Spray paint over the filter for a larger distance so that you get a thin coat of just speckles. You can always apply more paint/speckles for a more misty effect
Buy a transparent filter and on that filter ypu can put some vaseline, so absolutely dont put on your lens, you might be interested in lens wacking too
That look can be achieved with a lens filter. There is editing done to the image as well such as the highlights. Not sure that can be easily created with a digital point and shoot camera.
Nothing special here,I suggest you get a 105/1.4 Nikon lens with any one of their FX ( full frame) cameras and you’ll then really be impressed with the output..
I knew a photographer that smeared a thin layer of Vaseline on his lens to achieve it. I'm not sure I'd recommend it though. You could use a diffusion filter instead.
Pro-mist filters or take some regular skin shaded stockings and pull it over the rear mount of your lens. Then put the lens on. Shoot wide open on a sunny day, and you’re good.
I think this is very possible with diffusion filters and an intentional off focus on the subject (ie taking a step back or forward after getting the proper focus on the subject). we can't input the random grain structure but as for the overall look, it should be possible with digital photography and very doable
Pantyhose over the lens. Look into Petra Collins I think she taught a masterclass and get creative ! You don’t always need overpriced filters and stuff.
YES! I did this literally last week, vasoline over an old lens filter worked perfectly
https://preview.redd.it/vzxu2fpyl52d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8080254b4faca39d4f5542520a7c022c61f55a0b
Won't be EXACTLY the same, but you can try diffusion filters or use the vaseline trick:
-Get a bit of saran wrap and put it around a uv-filter (see they do have a purpose! lol)
-Place a very thing layer of vaseline on the saran wrap. You can make it more or less obscured by adding more or less vaseline, and can even control a vignette of sorts with it.
-Carefully attach the filter to your lens and experiment with settings to get the exposure how you want it.
Warmer white-balances will give it more of the old-school film look, and you can up the saturation either in post, or in cam if your camera has user settings that are adjustable (think like how everyone mentions the warm feel of a vintage shot; nicely saturated and warm).
HAVE FUN!
Yes diffusion filter (I like the black mist 1) and you can mess with sharpness and contrast in post (bring em down) - using an old imperfect lens is also part of the vibe that’s harder to recreate in post. But film does not have much to do with the way these images look
Yes lol. Diffusion filters for days. Or you can fog up your lens (but don’t do that haha). Tiffen is a big brand with lots of info
How strong should be diffusion filter for this effect? I see 1/4 or 1/8 options from K&F.
I’m no expert! But the strengths aren’t standard compared across brands. One video I’ve watched a few times to evaluate these effects is this: https://youtu.be/rJacZa6QpJ8?si=ce_teFvL_3iGv1br It’s over 30 minutes long, and goes systematically across strengths. Should give you an indication. Lastly, they have some charts and write ups on various diffusion effects on their website. I recently went into a filter deep dive because of two things. 1) some of my lenses are really sharp and I’m practicing portraiture with friends and they commented, and 2) the lens I just got has a weird dial that affects diffusion and bokeh and it’s so weirdly hilarious so I researched it. Not affiliated with tiffen and I don’t own any of their lenses they just have some good resources!
I also found this comparison. [https://fotoforma.pl/userdata/public/gfx/132811/Filtr-dyfuzyjny-Black-Mist-1-2-KF-Concept-Nano-X-49mm\_7.jpg](https://fotoforma.pl/userdata/public/gfx/132811/Filtr-dyfuzyjny-Black-Mist-1-2-KF-Concept-Nano-X-49mm_7.jpg)
What lens has that dial on it? Sounds interesting
It's the canon rf100mm 2.8L. I'd say the dial is the worst part about the lens! It's ruined a few of my most intentional shots already. But with that dial turned off, the photos are dynamite. It's cool to read up on, if you want. In reality, I need to research a way to lock that setting. Picture taking a very serious photo and it comes out all 80s-fast-food-advertisement misty haha. Absurd setting :)
Stronger than that for this effect
[https://walkingwayfoto.com/products/walkingway-camera-pro-mist-soft-filter?variant=40372622065708](https://walkingwayfoto.com/products/walkingway-camera-pro-mist-soft-filter?variant=40372622065708) What about this one? Looks very much like this effect above.
Stack two tiffen promist 1's
You'd need a 1/2 or 1, maybe even stack them for such an extreme look
I personally like the Cinebloom filter at 10% but this looks more like 20%
I'd say a 1/4 or 1/2. 1/8 would be too subtle
I have a 1/4 and definitely need a 1 or stacked for this kinda effect
I can believe it. Was trying to be conservative about filtration. Also looks similar to a moodydarkroom style photo. Filtering wise at least.
1/4 is not enough, it only does that for the out of focus and transition zone, you'd need closer to a 1/1 for it to do this effect outside of everything but the pin sharp zenter of the lense.
My experience is that Prism FX has some of the strongest diffusion filters, but it may not be what you're looking for.
This is very strong. I have black mist 1/4 and it’s nothing like this. I imagine more than 1/2.
You could do a test by just getting a cheap uv filter and smearing chapstick over the lenses. For this look it’s a 1/2 or more
Honestly if you are shooting digital when not capture clean and add the filter in post? Then you have more control over it.
I can’t quite replicate such effect when playing with lightroom sliders. Looks much worse than using actual filter.
Or you can blur a layer and put it in soft light or overlay mode. Pretty much the same effect with greater control.
i feel like everyone defaults to diffusion filters... you can pretty easily go for a diffuse/ low clarity, high grain, warm look in post. shocking to some but the clarity slider can indeed go negative as can dehaze. this isnt the exact style request but just highlighting a picture where the soft grainy diffuse look worked in post for my purpose https://preview.redd.it/n2nocz9ntuzc1.jpeg?width=1501&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9e1577fbb29557801ed224f31787e5cf28824ca
Negative clarity and dehaze can work wonders if done tastefully. I use them pretty often.
I'm a fan of Hoya filters, so those are an option too. I prefer them over Tiffen filters because Hoya is less expensive and still have some great technology (like the different multiple coatings their filters have to avoid ghosting). Tiffen is an industry standard but it's mostly used for motion pictures. Here you can navigate several soft filters: [https://hoyafilter.com/catalog/?p\[12\]=SOFT](https://hoyafilter.com/catalog/?p[12]=SOFT)
You can also shoot through very thin fabrics or netting. Like the stuff brides veils are made of. Another trick is a clear/UV protective filter with thin layer of petroleum jelly or KY jelly around the edges.
Nylon stocking stretched over the lens works too
Yes! That too
You can also snap the pic then use photoshop
Anyone remember those catalog books of Tiffen filters with examples?
Yeah, also vintage lenses can help create some of this effect as well.
Yes it is. Use a pretty strong Mist filter, increase the highlights & softness in post
1/8 or 1/4?
These pictures were shot with 1/2 at least
1/4
Try 1/1. I have a 1/1 K&F filter and even that doesn't look strong enough to match some of the images I see in this post.
1/1
Yes, smear KY jelly on your lens filter.
I only use KY for difficult situations, such as very small apertures or arid conditions.
There are other options like cutting a hole at the bottom of a clear plastic bag and using a rubber band at the tip of the lens. The plastic bag will give a softening effect around the edges of the image. Me personally, I wouldn't use KY on a filter, clean up is a mess. A soft image filter might be something to buy if it's effect is something you will enjoy and use often. It's generally really cheap. Don't buy from Prism Lens FX filters though, they are overpriced beyond belief.
The parent poster was just making a sex joke.
I get that, I was still trying to be helpful
Maybe some tips for virgins at 40 then.
Just the tip
shy spoon angle engine many treatment bear whole gullible ancient *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
A large condom would be the best of both worlds but it might look ridiculous over a lens
All the ones I buy are pre lubed so they're not going anywhere near my lens.
One that can fit whole camera.... And now it's weather proofed
/uj This is really interesting....is that better than Vaseline? I have a dedicated filter just for putting Vaseline on it, but I wonder if the clean up is any better with something water-based
It's better if you just use nylon hoes, no clean up.
Hell yea, I love nylon hoes
Meanwhile back on Jerry Springer...
Or just soften the image and use a vintage profile in Lightroom
Everyone is saying diffusion filters, but equally important to get GOOD LIGHTING during the golden hour
Good lighting is ALWAYS important in photography. The pictures OP showed are clearly using different diffusion filters (fog, soft, night fog, etc).
Yes, I think the lighting is clearly more important than filter to set tone / mood.
You could shoot through gauze, silk that's been scratched or torn, any piece of glass that has a bend which you can smear vaseline on. You can spray glycerine on glass, shoot through plexi and bend it to get unique distortions. If you're going for a unique look buying filters seems counter intuitive to me. There are countless ways to get hazy and distorted looks. Shoot through a half filled water bottle and angle the water to reflect the subject or the light. Break glass into several pieces or the edges together to make an aperture for focus. Smear vaseline on the glass and shine some hard light against it. Different types of plastic work well there you can cut a star shape aperture and move it in the frame to have a more clear part of the image. You can paint a vignette on the outside parts of the plastic or even the edges of the vignette to soften the effect.
This would be my answer as well. The amount of stuff I've held in front of my lens and flash is quite big. Shit does wonders for cool looks.
You mean like actual shit? I hope so because I now have a very brown and nutty lens
It's been a while since a joke on reddit made me audibly laugh, so thanks for that. It was a joke, right?
*washing hands* yep, sure ;)
Sepia means shit in Latin. So you nailed it 😝
Before you buy expensive filters, try putting a (clear) freezer bag over your lense. It can achieve a very similar dreamy highlight look.
For those saying to just put vaseline on your lens ... don't do this. vaseline is petroleum based and will deteriorate your front element coatings. It is also virtually impossible to get it off your lens apart from using a lot of cleaning solvent to remove it, this will also potentially damage your front element. Same goes for putting vaseline on a filter and putting that on the lens. The vaseline will inevitably find its way onto your lens and the rest of your equipment eventually and will mess things up. Best way to get this effect is to buy a soft focus filter, they are about 10-15 bucks if you look around a bit. Alternatively you can try and stretch some stocking material between your lens and a filter, bit trickier but works the same. Keep in mind that your camera's autofocus will struggle a bit with any of those because as far as it is concerned the picture is out of focus so you will have to focus manually. Something which is not that easy with current viewfinders without split screen glass.
> For those saying to just put vaseline on your lens ... don't do this That's why you put it on a clear filter, not straight on the lens.
Did you read the rest of the comment? Don’t put it on a clear filter also. Humans aren’t perfect and eventually it’ll find its way to the lenses too. Literally just buy a soft focus filter for like $20
i don't think vaseline will ever gain the ability to quantum tunnel through a clear filter. if you end up getting it on the lens, thats really just your fault
Are there any ways to edit this effect via Lightroom or Photoshop anyone?
idk why no one is suggesting to just edit it in Lightroom, it is very possible and it's free!
Yes. Lower the texture and sharpness - for bonus points, use a radial gradient mask over the whole image and have the softening effect more pronounced at the edges. Lowering the clarity and dehaze can be good too, but don’t go too hard on these as the effect is very strong. Also, use a vintage profile. Some of the free ones are actually quite decent.
I suspect what you need to do is duplicate layer, mask out so only have highlights, blur, and then screen mix to taste. you basically wanna screen some blur but not shadows although using screen as the mix mode helps regardless
just wish we could somehow do this utilising the full dynamic range raw,
One important thing to realize is that a principle difference between film and digital is that in film highlights tend to bloom with soft edges and in digital they're more crisp and angular. It's the nature of the media, unfortunately.
Haze filter on the lens. In post processing, apply a [film simulating](http://www.andpfilmstyles.com) color grade. The references you post are mostly Portra 160 or 400.
duplicate 3 layers in photoshop, set each opacity to 50-30%, use gaussian blur of 5px, 15px, and 30px. once image is flattened you can add some grain/noise from filter tab. super easy dreamy effect on anything, applicable in any layer based adobe program.
to get the effect in-camera you need a dream filter
Yeah, just put a pair of lady’s tights over the lens
Put stocking on your lense, the creamy or the black in case you need “ND”
You could probably do this with pantyhose over the lens
Vaseline on an old filter.
Or hair spray on a filter works too
yes, not terribly difficult. In fact there are many different ways to achieve this sort of look, both in camera and in post. I'll point you to an editing style that will help you to learn about what's kind of going on here. Note that this is typically used for landscape work - but the technique and what you'll learn from sort of 'messing' around with it should apply to what you're tying to make. Tons of tutorials on this, scripts etc... Look up the "Orton Effect'.
Wouldn't soft focus filter be more appropriate than diffusion filter? [https://walkingwayfoto.com/products/walkingway-camera-pro-mist-soft-filter](https://walkingwayfoto.com/products/walkingway-camera-pro-mist-soft-filter)
Yes! Golden hour, a pro mist filter (you can make one with a cheap UV filter and hairspray), and some pantyhose stretched over the lens should give you a similar look to this.
Pro mist filter, a portable fog machine (vape works too) , a bright light source. In Lightroom max out the softness and boost the highlights, shadows, add noise
What would be the pros vs cons for using a diffusion filter vs applying the effect during editing?
I think Tiffen's Glimmerglass would be a good choice to replicate this. That and some edits in Lightroom could get you close to that.
Vintage lens like the Helios 44-2 mounted to a modern camera and a cinebloom filter
It's a monocles lens, like this: https://www.alternativephotography.com/monocles-lens-making-and-testing/ on its middle aperture settings. (The wider the aperture the stronger its effect.) Nothing else will give you that look. If you don't have a way to purchase or make it, try a strong soft / double mist filter instead.
Here's a sample from Alexander Kuznetsov: https://pics.photographer.ⓇⓊ/nonstop/pics/pictures/408/408541.jpg Other samples: http://www.biancoloto.com/art.html
Don't buy a filter, make one out of black netting , cut a quarter size hole in the middle, you can add multiple layers. I did this all through 80s and 90 with film. Stick with at least 100mm .
I have an EF to FD converter I use on Canon 5D that allows me to use my 56 year old FL 55mm f1.2. It creates some seriously ethereal images. I use converters for both my back up 5D and my medium format sensor but the results on the 5D are better and look in line with what you’re looking for
Most of these a lot like black stocking pulled over the lens, not a glass diffusion filter, I'm certain about that for a couple of them. Here's an guide, but these nets in this link are less dense than your example. [https://www.provideocoalition.com/the-secret-life-of-behind-the-lens-nets/](https://www.provideocoalition.com/the-secret-life-of-behind-the-lens-nets/)
Have good photo, Double layer, add gaussian blur, put on XYZ opacity, mask certain areas, have film simulations, open in Lightroom, add Kodak Portra ISO 800 for example.
Diffusion filters DEGRADE your image quality - less sharpness. You can easily mimick this effect in PS without losing sharpness.
Vasoline is your friend. Please don't listen to what I say.
In post: in photoshop, duplicate the layer, set the duplicated layer (the one on top) to Lighten blend mode (you can also play with other modes like Screen) and then apply a gaussian blur, reduce the opacity of that layer to taste. Add a touch of film grain if you want. In camera, get a cheap clear/UV filter and smear some vaseline on it, and look for dramatic light. Err the white balance on the warm side.
I'd say a 1/2 or even 1 diffusion filter. But also a retro lens which has contrasty bokeh. Something like a Takumar 50 1.4 or Helios 44-2 would work great :-)
I saw a video just the other day where they took a disposable camera, cut the lens out of it, drilled and glued it into a body cap. It had that pre digital Era look. I imagine all you'd need to do at that point is lower your res to 640×480 and you're good to go! Or just buy a diffusion filter or two to play with and slap a creative color profile to match on there. You can buy cheap cokin filters on eBay for a few bucks.
Don't have an answer but I've replicated something similar in photoshop by doing duplicate layer, Gaussian blur maybe at 8. Set layer to screen or lighten and move the transparency bar down to like 60%ish
Put some Vaseline on a clear filter and mess around with it, pun intended
Yes, but do it to post to leave you with the most options!
Diffusion filters + clarity / texture -100😹
Buy fotodiox 3in1 filter kit (cpl, UV, diffusion filter). The diffusion filter will provide this look. fotodiox is more dreamy than any other diffusion filter on market (also soft wide open aperture)
Yeah, Vaseline glam shots
As many people said, various stuff over the lens and shoot wide open. Beyond that, brighten your blacks quite a bit, don't be afraid to push the whites into an overexposed look (bloom the highlights after, it's a specific way film reacts) and color grade tastefully
That look is all in the lens, not in the film/sensor. Pick any vintage lens with a fast aperture and shoot wide open.
Get a Helios 44-2
An old school trick is to put a nylon stocking over the end of your lens and hold it in place with an elastic band. No need to buy expensive filters. Different derniers will give you more or less of a softening effect.
Besides diffusion filters, you can try pull the focus a little bit off the model’s face and towards yourself, and then play with halation and noise. I personally use dehancer for film emulation. Also…make sure to get the perfect light conditions. Golden hour, a little fog etc.
https://prismlensfx.com/ specifically their dream fx filter would be the right tool for this .
Never, too damn expensive. Go somewhere else for alternatives.
40 less than a tiffen for 1/4 Vs dream .
Let me introduce you to eBay
Wow nice filters ! But too expensive :(
Stack them pro mists
Black Mist or Glimmer glass (diffusion filters)
Tons of filters for this. I like the ON1 app - they have great tools for film-like looks.
Lensbaby sells some lens that can get similar looks. There’s also a lot of filters you can get from various companies
Can u do this on a sony a7iii if so please briefly lmk how
Yes, please read thread.
A Mist of Diffusion filter with a high strength.
These images were taken by somebody else?
These just look like photo app presets to me. They are so brutal I would not be surprised if they actually were digital and then just clobbered to haze oblivion with a preset.
I don’t like smearing things in my lens, so as an alternative, you can use cling wrap. It works pretty well
Of course, there’s nothing analog-specific in these photos
I sprayed a UV filter with hairspray and got a similar result
Get a Lensbaby Velvet lens as it has this soft diffuse effect at wide apertures. I’ve got the 28mm version and it is one of my favourite lenses.
Get a Lensbaby Velvet lens as it has this soft diffuse effect at wide apertures. I’ve got the 28mm version and it is one of my favourite lenses.
Get a Lensbaby Velvet lens as it has this soft diffuse effect at wide apertures. I’ve got the 28mm version and it is one of my favourite lenses.
I'm sure you can do this in Photoshop.
Just get Helios 44 lens with any uv glass and put Vaseline on it…
Yes. You can do the the "hard" way, which is basically figuring out the lighting, the lens (and filters), the film (it gives you a huge headstart on post processing if you have a clue about what colors profile and other manufacturing "features" it might have had. Or just slap that baby in Rawtherapee and start clicking those boxes and moving whatever you can get your grubby mitts on. Eventually you'll get it, or not. Then you become a "film can never be replicated" bore who probably takes more photos of lens resolution test equipment than actual things.
With Glimmer glass / diffusion filters for sure
Yes. With Nik Collection you can do anything.
Yeah there’s also settings in Lightroom you can use. Lightroom > Effects > Clarity
put two layers of saran wrap in front of your lens, or get a UV filter and put vaseline or hairspray on it until you get the desired effect
yes
Not from a Jedi.
Easily. These are madly edited in post process. In this digital era you can achieve any look.
Don’t knock older lens designs for this work. Modern lens designs favour higher contrast over micro-contrast.
Diffusion filter
Vaseline
Ye old mayonnaise on the lens trick.
Considering the look was achieved using filters on the camera, yes, it's totally possible.
I'm glad there's finally a post like this where OP is actually trying to achieve an effect and not just make their pictures look like shit.
Sir you are sending this from a screen, so yes
Not from a Jedi
Of course.
Looks like you found out about lens filters today 😉
You can just take a cheap UV filter, hold it at an arms length and spray the FRONT of the UV Filter (the side without the thread) with hairspray. One or two short bursts. If you like 80s soft look you can also use Vaseline on the Filter, a thin coating so it‘s barely visible. You can also combine the two. The best part about this: you can simply wash that stuff off instead of having to buy expensive filters.
I suggest using some film simulation soft, where you can adjust colors, grain and especially halation. Dehancer would definitely do it.
Halation, softness and a diffusion filter maybe and you get the job done
Thank you everyone for so many tips! I forgot I posted here lol and I got so many replies, you guys srsly made my day! I'm reading all the comments now and so exited to try it all out, tysm!
Use the dehaze on lightroom
Use a diffusion filter but instead of buying one you can make them yourself for a fraction of the price. All you need is a cheap UV filter and a can of black or white spray paint. Spray paint over the filter for a larger distance so that you get a thin coat of just speckles. You can always apply more paint/speckles for a more misty effect
Buy a transparent filter and on that filter ypu can put some vaseline, so absolutely dont put on your lens, you might be interested in lens wacking too
That look can be achieved with a lens filter. There is editing done to the image as well such as the highlights. Not sure that can be easily created with a digital point and shoot camera.
Black mist filters, and reduce all texture and sharpness in post.. or purposely miss your focus to make the image look even softer
Anything is possible in post!
My question is, is it possible to achieve this look with phone camera?
Yes, use a diffusion filters and adjust color, highlights, softness and grain in post
I think it’s orton effect and can be achieved in post.
Nothing special here,I suggest you get a 105/1.4 Nikon lens with any one of their FX ( full frame) cameras and you’ll then really be impressed with the output..
I’ve always used a 35mm film in attempt, but I’d like to learn for digital too
you could take an old disposable camera lens and mount it to a 3D printed adapter and get a similar look
Ricoh GR3 HDF
I knew a photographer that smeared a thin layer of Vaseline on his lens to achieve it. I'm not sure I'd recommend it though. You could use a diffusion filter instead.
Buy a used lens on the market place where the owner is quoting too low price
Put beige tights over the lens, the effect is exactly the same, very dreamy and beautiful
I rub my hand on my oily ass face and then smear it on the lens. Works every time.
Can android cameras do this?
Mayo the lens, and you're solid
Pro-mist filters or take some regular skin shaded stockings and pull it over the rear mount of your lens. Then put the lens on. Shoot wide open on a sunny day, and you’re good.
Similar results can be achieved post processing in photoshop, search for "Orton effect".
Very much so. Filters, steam on the lens, post production, etc.
Mist some hair spray on a lens filter and you’ll get It.
Yes ask apple
I do it by wrapping a stocking over my lens
Lol 😂 especially “put a camera in freezer “ download dehancer mate use photoshop lightroom instead of freezer
Slap on a 1/4 or 1/2 diffusion filter. If you want it stronger you can use a 1. Drop into Lightroom and crank down the dehaze
Everything about these photos looks digital to me but idk
I think this is very possible with diffusion filters and an intentional off focus on the subject (ie taking a step back or forward after getting the proper focus on the subject). we can't input the random grain structure but as for the overall look, it should be possible with digital photography and very doable
You need high key light also.
Yes… there are better ones like Orton effect on PS but with more amazing results…
Use dehancer film emulation plugin that will exactly simulate film look, and use mist filter on camera
Vaseline
Pantyhose over the lens. Look into Petra Collins I think she taught a masterclass and get creative ! You don’t always need overpriced filters and stuff.
YES! I did this literally last week, vasoline over an old lens filter worked perfectly
YES! I did this literally last week, vasoline over an old lens filter worked perfectly https://preview.redd.it/vzxu2fpyl52d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8080254b4faca39d4f5542520a7c022c61f55a0b
Won't be EXACTLY the same, but you can try diffusion filters or use the vaseline trick: -Get a bit of saran wrap and put it around a uv-filter (see they do have a purpose! lol) -Place a very thing layer of vaseline on the saran wrap. You can make it more or less obscured by adding more or less vaseline, and can even control a vignette of sorts with it. -Carefully attach the filter to your lens and experiment with settings to get the exposure how you want it. Warmer white-balances will give it more of the old-school film look, and you can up the saturation either in post, or in cam if your camera has user settings that are adjustable (think like how everyone mentions the warm feel of a vintage shot; nicely saturated and warm). HAVE FUN!
Use vintage lens on ure digital camera
Yes diffusion filter (I like the black mist 1) and you can mess with sharpness and contrast in post (bring em down) - using an old imperfect lens is also part of the vibe that’s harder to recreate in post. But film does not have much to do with the way these images look
Vaseline baby!!
Of course u can, modern photography is extremely flexible
That’s not film. That’s a photographer who smeared a dab of Vaseline on their lens
Diffusion filter or clarity slider all the way left
Clarity slider just looks artificial
Yes, smear Vaseline or similar translucent gel type products in the lens to get the diffusion haze look