Since the day digital replaced film, the pursuit of high resolution and clarity has never ceased. The increasingly sharp images and the intricate details undoubtedly provide viewers with an exceptional viewing experience. However, every advantage has its disadvantages; on the flip side, with every detail laid bare, the unique qualities and flavors of many images that deserve appreciation are also somewhat lost.
Diffusion, literally translated as soft light or glow in Chinese, was created by photographers through unique Filter lenses during the era of film photography. For instance, the most familiar one is ProMist, and there are a variety of these lenses that can offer a rich selection of effects.
In the digital age, shooting concepts tend to lean towards capturing a more neutral image with greater plasticity. Even many DPs who used to shoot on film have become less frequent or cautious in using various optical filters. Today, I will discuss how to add a Diffusion effect in color grading to enhance the unique texture and atmosphere of images.
Let’s first look at a series of works by a still photographer.
This is a photographic work by American photographer Damon Loble. As you can see, there is always a sense of Glow, haziness, and softness in the image.
Damon Loble’s photography website:
http://www.damonloble.com/
https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/damon-l…
On Tumblr, he explained: “The original image undergoes some basic adjustments in Hasselblad Phocus software. Then the image is further adjusted in Photoshop.”
Photographers often process images through layer blending modes. DaVinci also has layer compositing functions, so we tried to simulate the effect using layer mixers and ultimately found a method that effectively simulates this hazy, soft glow texture.
You can take a look at the processed effect:
The detached and indifferent hazy quality in the 2013 film “Inside Llewyn Davis,” directed by the Coen Brothers, must have left a deep impression on everyone. Cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel (known for his work on “Amélie”) revealed in a behind-the-scenes interview that effects similar to Diffusion were achieved by colorist Peter Doyle in post-production.
I also tried to use the same technique to simulate this effect:
The original material is a still from the film.
Click the video to watch detailed operation steps:
Everyone can try to apply it to other types of films; you might get unexpected results!
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HOMEBOY Student Interview Video
If you want to learn more about HOMEBOY color grading training courses, click to read the original text for details.