Photo Editing Using Photoshop: Easy Soft Focus Effect

This effect works fine with lights & skins. It will add a nice glow to lightened objects, and a soft look for skin. Here we go...

I've picked this photo of  Sultanahmet Mosque. It has a very nice lamps, yet I still can make them look much better ;) 

Step 1: Duplicate the background layer, by hitting Ctrl+J to have two layers in the layers palate. 

Step 1: Duplicate the layer

 Step 2: With "Layer 1" still selected, go to [Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur]. Well, the "Radius" value depends on the image you're using. So, keep dragging the slider til you get a satisfying effect. Since I'm using a high resolution image, I needed a high value.

Step2 : Add a Gaussian Blur filter

Step 3: Lower the opacity of "Layer 1".

Step 3: Lower the opacity

Step 4: Change the blend mode to "Soft Light" (Optional).

Step 4: Change the blend mode

And that's it!! Click to enlarge.

Before editing on the left - After editing on the right