A picture, or an area in a picture that is left slightly out-of-focus for effect, or a lens or filter that diffuses light and "softens" the overall scene.
The technique of creating soft outlines around a picture. Filters or special lens are used to generate this effect, filters being the most popular material as they are often more economical and flexible.
A slightly blurred effect achieved by using a special filter or lens, or by shooting with a normal lens slightly out of focus.
A technique using a special lens or attachment, which softens all of the edges in a photograph. The resulting picture appears as though the subject was photographed behind a light layer of gauze.
A strategy whereby all objects appear soft because none are perfectly in focus. Used for romantic effect.
A soft look achieved by bending some of the light from the subject so it is defocused while the rest remains in focus. Highlights are actually dispersed onto adjacent areas. The image still looks properly-focused overall, but its components are just enough out-of-focus that they are softened. Lines are slightly fuzzy and small details seem to disappear.
A softening of the effect of a clear distinct image. Used to establish a mood or cut a glare from a light source. A lens can also be covered with a piece of gauze or jell to cut down the sharpness and to lend atmospheric effects to a scene. Another technique is to turn manually the lens out of focus to obtain the desired effect.
Produced by use of a special lens that creates soft outlines.
Image that is focused properly, but diffused to reduce contrast in details. This is the "romantic" effect, a filter or a fine net can achieve this effect.