Diffuser

The DIFFUSER gives a soft-focus effect (due to its irregularly uneven surface). This is particularly effective in portraiture and commercial photography (makes the lines and wrinkles just "disappear" from the portrait! That's why the pro's pictures make everyone look younger and more vibrant - and why they get paid so well, too!). You'll be called a "genius" and become known as an "artist" with a camera by your subjects when they see how their portriats make them look "so young!" But just as a magician never reveals how his/her illusions work, the professional photographer should not reveal his or her secrets, either.

Keep this one to yourself. Just screw this amazing diffuser to your lens (the best focal length for portraits is around 80-150 mm; try 135mm to start), and quietly ply your craft. Then collect your compliments (as well as your quickly escalating fees) and keep our little secrets, ok? =:->

More details on the Diffuser filter: (more on using the diffuser)

The remarkable Diffuser filter is a colorless, transparent piece of optical glass, specially treated to produce diffusion in photographic images, through the refraction of light. Beautiful soft-focus effects are produced for portraits, scenic views, still lifes, commercial photographs, and in any instance where a soft, ethereal, or dreamlike effect is desired, etc. The soft effect is especially useful for portraits of women, where it is desirable to soften wrinkles and lines (Ah, "vanity, thy name is Woman" springs to mind here; and, it's important to note, they're willing to pay for that look, too). Highly effective where contrasting lighting or spotlights are used.

In use, the camera should be focused on the subject before attaching this filter to the lens. Since stopping down the lens aperture reduces the effect of this filter, large apertures should be used whenever possible. Using too large an aperture, however, can make the effect too strong, and appear as though the subject were out of focus, so use care in this regard. As with all photography, try to take several shots, bracketing and using varying apertures. For normal use, apertures of f/4-f/8 are often most suitable.