I am photographing my dog in a studio with electronic flash using a 90mm/2.8 with a B+W 81a, would like to soften the mood further with out loosing sharpness. Any suggestions on which filter to use? Thanking you in advance Hal Lessenger

-- Hal Lessenger (HLessenger@aol.com), January 24, 1999

Answers

I would think that any softening method used would degrade your sharpness somewhat. Softness and sharpness are a continuum.

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), February 13, 1999.

Though I've never tried one (I like sharp), you might try a Nikon soft focus filter No. 1 in a 72mm (you'll need the 67 to 72 step-up ring). The Nikon brochure says the #1 is "good for portraits, giving a 'romantic' haze to images." Also if you don't want to plunk down that much money, try using a very light coating of olive oil on a UV filter rubbing it in a straight pattern across the center of the filter and lastly making a circle around the perimeter of the filter; experiment for the right amount of softness.. the pooch may want to lick the lens if you get too close.

Cheers, Charles

-- Charles Shoffner (chasmn@aol.com), July 27, 1999.