January 19, 2009

Creative Selective Focus with FocalPoint from OneOne Software

     Selective focus isn't a new technique, but there sure is a new way to apply it like never before with OnOne Software's FocalPoint. This Photoshop plug-in has the ability to give the photographer control like we have never had before. I still like my tilt-shift Canon 90 mm lens and my Lensbaby, but when I need very exacting control and all the possible options for my selective focus photography, this is where I turn to for creative effects. This way I can have my sharp images and my selective focus images from the same original Raw capture.  Best of all, I can pull images from my past and re-apply this plug-in to get a whole new look for my older images. This is a very simple to use Photoshop plug-in that has a unique dialog box for the control freak in all of us. Start by opening your file in Photoshop, and access the software plug-in from the OnOne drop down menu at the top of the screen.



     In the large dialog box you have a control called the Focus Bug which looks like a large grid across your image. In the center is a small circle with handles that come out. These handles control the amount and direction of the blur and vignette. Pressing the Option Key (PC: Alt Key) allows you to change the direction of the plane of focus to follow the natural fall off of the image. It's easy to learn in just a few minutes of playing around with a photo. The sliders on the right side of the dialog box also work in conjunction with the Focus Bug handles.


       You can save any adjustments you like as a preset to return to them later. Always remember to add just a little noise back to the blurry part of the image with the noise slider. An amount of about 2 to 4 on the slider should be enough to bring back the original grain of the image to match. The vignette slider can make the the edges darker or lighter if you are doing a high key image. This is a must have plug-in for you creative workflow and I am sure you will be having a lot of fun with it.....    Till next time....   Jimmy D....   

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