Creating a Softar Filter Effect with Photoshop
In this screencast I show you how to create a “Softar Filter” effect with Adobe Photoshop CS4. So if you used to shoot with a Hasselblad then this will bring back some memories for you. I have also created an action using the settings from the screencast and you can watch the video and download the action after the jump!
I have been in my bed with the flu for the past few days, so this screencast is online a little later than planned. Sorry for the delay as we normally like to get a post up online at the beginning of the week. Anyway, today I am going to focus purely on the “Softar Filter” Effect rather than the specifics of the photography. The image is of Lauren and you can find out all about how the image was shot and the lighting setup etc…on disk 4 of The Big Picture.
© Stuart Little 2009
The shot above is pretty much straight out of the camera and un-retouched as I wanted to show off the power of this softening effect, because we all know that time matters and we don’t always much time to do a full retouch job on our subjects. This technique is a quick and easy get out of jail free card for skin softening on the run… 
You can even see from the image below, it has tamed some pretty noticeable blemishes that you would normally heal away, so you now know the small stuff is also going to be taken care of…
I think the technique comes pretty close to what you used to get from a Hasselblad Softar and it will know doubt bring back a few memories for some of you if you used to shoot with the “blad”. Sadly I could never afford one, so I was stuck with Mamiya 645’s and Bronica SQ-B’s. Lovely cameras all the same.
© Stuart Little 2009
My advice to you is use this a little more sparingly on younger skin and a little stronger on ladies and gentlemen of a more mature age. Yes guys too, have you never watched a Robert Redford movie of late? Either way they will thank you softening down those wrinkles because digital can sometimes be a little too sharp for its own good.
Now to speed things along a little further, I thought I would take the settings used in the screencast and turn out a FREE action for you all to download. I do give you the option of dialling in the amount of gaussian blur, but after that the blend modes and opacities are as recorded in the screencast and everything is adjustable.
Finally…
Why not try the same settings but this time use Filter>Blur>Surface Blur – to replace gaussian blur. When doing it this way, make sure you inverse the group layer mask (Command+I)MAC or (Control+I)PC and that way by using white as your foreground colour you can apply it solely to the surface of the skin for detailed but smooth skin softening. Enjoy!
Stuart Little is a Professional Photographer and Photoshop Trainer with over 18 years experience in the field. The Little Photoshop is home to Stuart's articles, screencasts, training dvds, actions and inspiration based around the topics of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Digital Photography and Off Camera Lighting.
Tim Lewis Says:
Great vid Stu and the action works a treat.
Stuart Little Says:
Thanks Tim. Its a great little action for easy softening.
kelvin Says:
Thanks Stu, a nice simple action with a pleasing result.
Rob Says:
Thank you for sharing, and the action. Using CS3 and can’t get the brush to reveal the sharpness in the final step? What am I doing wrong?
Stephanie Saniga Says:
Thanks so much for this action! It’s going to help me a lot with my seniors.
Stuart Little Says:
@Kelvin – Thanks, I am glad you like it.
@Rob – Your welcome. Make sure you have the group layer mask active and that you are using a black colour as your foreground. If you are unsure, press (D) then (X) on your keyboard to reset things. After that press (B) to get to the brush and also make sure you there are no brush settings in use that would stop it from working.
Let me know how you get on!
@Stephanie – Your also welcome. Why don’t you send me one of your seniors images and I will use it for the next screencast as it will be another softening technique.
Sandy Says:
Really useful action Stu. Have been trying it out to great success, sometimes using the lasso tool to focus on face
Stuart Little Says:
Its a good one and it works nicely in combination with the lasso as well. Well done you!
Rob Says:
Thank you Stuart, that did it.
Sandy Says:
thanks Stu…now I want to go and redo all the pics using this!
Stuart Little Says:
@Rob – Your Welcome.
@Sandy – Keep it subtle. lol but well done I liked the before and after you emailed me last night very nice.
Claire Jean Says:
hello Stuart..I am very happy to have discovered this podcast and must say that your choice of tutorials is great..I really loved this one which helps a lot, and thanks for the action that helps a lot.
Looking forward to learn more..
Catherine Says:
Another great tutorial!
andrew Says:
hi stuart
after using the basic gaussian blur on a copy layer for years, i must say this technique is awesome, thanks for sharing and i look forward to your next podcast
Stuart Little Says:
@Claire Jean – Our podcast is ranking pretty high after only 2 episodes. Welcome to the site and I hope you will visit regularly.
@Andrew – I can’t say I invented it but I have put my own twist on it for you. Glad you like it so much.
Stuart Little Says:
Thanks Catherine.
Filter Effect « The Photo Nomads Says:
[...] Here’s a filter effect tutorial (Softar filter) from the LittlePhotoshop [...]
jason Says:
New to this site and love it,fantastic video’s,I was using kelby training but didn’t really get on with it there.Have ordered this dvd today so looking forward to that being posted:)
Stuart Little Says:
Thanks Jason, its nice to know we can compete with the big boys in Tampa. Your DVD will be in the post first thing Monday.
jason Says:
arrived today,many thanks….is it possible to view in full screen mode?
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