An example of a "diffused lighting" portrait.

I dusted off a lens that I don't use very often and was pleased with the results.
Admittedly, this is a Prime Lens with a fairly shallow DOF.
It's considered a good portrait lens. But the lens is a separate issue from the image softness resulting from Diffused Lighting.

I personally like the portrait softness seen here.
The key areas are in good focus. Yet still "soft".

My lighting was indirect, late afternoon window light.