Softening the Focus of an Image

Title: Softening the Focus
Description:
A short tutorial on how to soften the focus of an image. This is
different from just using the Blur filter. This technique gives the
image a hazy, dreamy appearance.
Requirements: Photoshop 5/5.5

Original Image:


Result of Softened Focus:


1. Open a file.


2. Duplicate the layer by dragging it to the copy icon.


You will now have 2 layers like this:


3.
Select the duplicate layer, and blur it by choosing
Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur to make the image out-of-focus. I used
6px for my 600px wide image.


4. Adjust the mode, opacity, and layer options to make the haze. In the Layers palette, select Normal, and 60% opacity.


5.
Once you have adjusted the haze to your preferences, flatten the layers
by choosing Layer>Flatten Image, and you will be left with only one
layer again.


6. You can now save your work as a .gif by choosing File>Save for web>ok!
Or for a better resolution, especially with opacity changes, you can save it as .png by choosing File>Save As>.PNG>OK.