Focus & depth of field · Specialist
Soft focus
ELI5
A deliberately softened image that reduces crisp detail while retaining recognisable form.
Used in conversation
“Can we compare the soft focus with the reference during the camera test?”
Pitch context
This term helps a treatment describe how the camera or light will shape the viewer's experience.
Why it matters: Explains what the image should look like and how it can be framed, captured and lit.
Sources & evidence · 10
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — Academy Color Encoding System DocumentationDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Adobe — Adobe Premiere Pro User GuideDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- AICP — Suggested Best Practices for Bidding and Bidding Reference GuideDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Directors Guild of America — DGA Creative Rights HandbookDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Epic Games — In-Camera VFX Best PracticesDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers — SMPTE Time Code StandardsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- ARRI — Lens and Camera Technical ResourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences / ACES — ACES Glossary and User GuidesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- ScreenSkills — Online Learning Glossary and Job ProfilesSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- Epic Games — In-Camera VFX OverviewSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14