Softening filter

Nowadays, a large array of diffuser and softening filters are available, but in the old days, photographers would punch a few holes in a stocking or gauzy material and pull it over the lens. This would have the benefit of softening a subject's face, diffusing the light and minimizing wrinkles and blemishes.

In the event that stockings, gauzy materials or lens filters aren't available, a kitchen strainer does a splendid job of removing undesirable details. This idea may not become commercially successful, as portrait clients may object to how odd the pose looks.