Could someone please tell me how to create smooth skin like in this picture, i have tried countless skin techniques that i now dont know which one to use, its really annoying. If it is the dodge and burn technique tht is mostly used could someone please tell me how to do it properly because if someone explains then i would get a better understanding.

Thank you :grin: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd295/funkyboy4/Untitled-1.jpg

There's a good tutorial on the Tut's Area ;)

First clean blemishes and any pimples off the skin, by using the clone stamp tool and healing brush, use these carefully so theres no trace.

Then add a 50% neutral gray layer set to soft light. use the brush tool on this layer set to a low opacity and a small brush size to even out then skin. Use white or a sampled light colour from the skin to lighten the darker areas and black or a darker colour from the hairline to darken the skin where need be.
It helps to zoom in to 200% at first then zoom out to see the work you have done and how even it is.

Dogde & burn techniques take time and practice but they are the best method for skin if you want quality results.

There are also other good methods of dodge & burn but no sort cuts!

Another item that helps is photography. The retoucher probably received the image in high res, it was well-lit, and nicely sharpened to start off with. You can't expect to get that kind of natural texture in a small image.

Another item that helps is photography. The retoucher probably received the image in high res, it was well-lit, and nicely sharpened to start off with. You can't expect to get that kind of natural texture in a small image.

That's certainly true. If you all look at some of the full color cosmetic ad pullouts in the Sunday newspapers, you will see hi-rez images of models with retouched "perfect skin." They have pores, but no blemishes or rough, splotchy skin texture. I use these as reference material to guide me along when I have time to practice on my own high rez photos

steve