How do I create a soft focus using an SLR camera?

Answer 1

This may sound odd but it works....

Put a piece of nylon stocking (pantyhose) over the lens and hold it there with a rubberband. One other messier idea is to smear the lens filter with a light coat of vaseline.

Answer 2

Black hose is great for softening wrinkles, white gives a nice soft diffuse glow.

The Vaseline trick works, too, but usually you just smear it around the edge (of a filter, NOT your lens!) and leave the center clear. It is a vignette effect.

Of course, they actually do sell soft focus filters in varying degrees of softness.

Or, if you're digital, you can easily apply the effect in post processing.

Answer 3

When I did this, I always used a filter made for that purpose. I have also seen "hints" to smear petroleum jelly on the lens for a soft focus effect, but I have never personally tried it (I never wanted the mess of cleaning it up!!).

Answer 4

Yep. Another vote for petroleum jelly or hose. Just remember to put a lens filter on your lens THEN add the jelly to the filter. Don't put the jelly directly on the lens. It won't hurt the lens, but I would rather unscrew the filter and clean it rather than the lens itself.