How can I create a soft, pastel look with very shallow depth of field?
Asked 12/28/2015
4 views
2 answers
0
I often see portraits or still-life images with two traits at once: very strong background blur and an overall soft, dreamy look, plus pastel color tones with some selectively stronger saturation. In the example image, even the in-focus areas look both sharp and soft at the same time. Is this mostly created in-camera with lens choice, aperture, and lighting, or is it mainly post-processing? What kind of lens, aperture, lighting, or editing approach would help recreate this look on new or existing photos?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
5
Certainly not a macro lens at f/5.6. The blurred effect is created by using a very shallow depth of field, which at this distance and focal length is probably going to be about f1.4, f1.8 or f2. The slight enlargement of the hand relative to the body implies a slightly wide lens, so I'm guessing a 35mm 1.4 lens or equivalent, shot wide open.
The soft, pastel colours come from a mixture of soft lighting -something like a window covered with a net curtain, or lighting modified with a softbox up and to the left of the frame, in front of the subject, possibly with a reflector on the other wide. The pastel colours then are a consequence of the colours in the frame and post post-processing technique. Looking at the photographer's other images I suspect they are using VSCO filters in Lightroom to emulate film.
Originally by user39168. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user39168
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This look is mostly achieved in-camera, then refined in post.
For the blur: the strongest clue is very shallow depth of field, likely from a fast lens used wide open—around f/1.4, f/1.8, or f/2 rather than f/5.6. One answer suggests a slightly wide lens such as a 35mm f/1.4 or similar. That gives strong blur while keeping the subject area reasonably natural.
For the “sharp yet soft” feel: soft, diffused light is a big part of it—such as window light through a curtain, or a softbox, possibly with a reflector. Soft light lowers contrast and gives a gentle look even where focus is accurate.
For the color: the pastel rendering likely comes from both the scene colors and post-processing. The answers suggest Lightroom-style editing, possibly with VSCO-type presets. Useful adjustments include raising exposure a bit, reducing clarity or sharpness selectively, using a radial filter for localized softness, and adjusting highlights. The pastel effect is not just “more saturation”; it’s usually a softer tonal treatment combined with gentle light.
So: use a fast lens wide open, soft diffused light, then finish with light pastel-oriented editing.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI10y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I create a vintage, dreamy look like this photo?
How can I recreate this muted, pastel film-like color look?
How can I create soft, fairy-tale portrait skin while keeping the eyes and details sharp?
How do I create a soft pastel look in Lightroom?
How can I create a creamy, vintage-looking black-and-white image?