check out this view, I dont know if i should trust it or not http://www.digitalphotoshopretouching.com/order.htm

to me it seems nice! This site has more d/b related stuff I think...it seem so to me! The ear piercing looks nice! If you see his before and after of the model...

http://www.vitalydruchinin.com/

What is there to 'trust' in that vid?

Hi isolatedace,

I just ordered the DVD, if you want to hold out I can give you a full review withn a day of receiving it. It looks pretty good, but we'll see.

Damien

I was also thinking of purchasing this video.
Please keep us updated! thanks

i also ordered it, only i had one problem i had to pay immediately with paypal only i clicked it away so i don't know how to pay or if t Will receiving.. does annyone know? because i have to order it for twice and i dont want to have 2 of those expencive dvd's.

PLEASE HELP..

What is there to 'trust' in that vid?

the fact that its $150... if its not worth it then the money is just lost.

the fact that its $150... if its not worth it then the money is just lost.

Just for an update, the DVD ships Dec. 28th and I ordered 3 day shipping so I should be able to have a review for you by Jan 1st or 2nd.

Damien

Ok, sounds great. Please let us know!

I,m also waiting you review b4 order it.
please keep us update.
thank's.

seems interesting. I am curious how good it is!

Good find, even if you can get a few good tips from it, then it will be worth the money, unless it's just a hobby. Also the quality 39mp Hassy files definitely makes it nice to work with.

I really wish he had some versions like the first few photos in his beauty portfolio "Stefanie & Jennifer", I love how the D&B is applied. The top 3 in the video are pretty shadow'y and dark, but at least the last two are a lot brighter.

pretty cool stuff:)

I'm going to order one on the 28th I think...unless it's a big flop but from the previews and his before after pic's it looks pretty good.

Why not ask that dude/those dudes for verifiable references and third-party reviews?

Okay...I wrote him a note and got this response...who knows...he may be a member on this site...

Thank you for your email. There are no reviews as of yet as the video hasn't
shipped yet, orders will start shipping on the 28th. I cover the entire skin
retouching process, watching the video you will learn all the techniques needed
to produce results as shown in the samples section of the website. I would say
the level of instruction is from beginner through advanced.

I am working on more videos focusing on specific scenarios retouchers face,
lighting, photography, etc. The first video is the only one specifically
dedicated to retouching.

I use the Canon 5D and the Hasselblad H3D-39 cameras, all included files except
for one are from the H3D-39.
--------------------------------------------------
I would think retouching a photo form a Hasselbalad would not provide the same results as retouching a 10 mpix photo.

Well I just ordered a copy...can't wait to watch it. :)

Looks better than any books go into as far as beauty retouching. I just wish he worked on all 5 of the files, but with only 3 hrs and behind the scenes shoot footage I don't see how it could include all 5....I emailed him but am assuming it's just the White background pic

Okay...I wrote him a note and got this response...who knows...he may be a member on this site...

Thank you for your email. There are no reviews as of yet as the video hasn't shipped yet, orders will start shipping on the 28th. I cover the entire skin
retouching process, watching the video you will learn all the techniques needed to produce results as shown in the samples section of the website. I would say the level of instruction is from beginner through advanced.

I am working on more videos focusing on specific scenarios retouchers face, lighting, photography, etc. The first video is the only one specifically dedicated to retouching.

I use the Canon 5D and the Hasselblad H3D-39 cameras, all included files except for one are from the H3D-39.
--------------------------------------------------
I would think retouching a photo form a Hasselbalad would not provide the same results as retouching a 10 mpix photo.

I.o.w. no independant third-party opinions.
I wouldn't spend 150 bucks on a plain gamble.
But if you do, I've got a great piece of real-estate with your name on it waiting for you. Value: 300,000. Your price: 3,000. Just send me a note...

I.o.w. no independant third-party opinions.
I wouldn't spend 150 bucks on a plain gamble.
But if you do, I've got a great piece of real-estate with your name on it waiting for you. Value: 300,000. Your price: 3,000. Just send me a note...

Since when is purchasing something new with the intent of discovery and education the same as gullible real estate investing? Also, when should someone purchase something...anything?

Or are you advocating something else? :pirate:

I don't even remotely see the broad, sweeping generalization world view where investing $150 in a tutorial DVD is the same as $3,000 for a $300,000 piece of real estate. Unless, if for you $100 is the same as $3,000.

And quite frankly...your insinuation is disturbing. What you are not so subtly implying here is that anyone who takes a well thought out risk, on a $150 education dvd...is the same as a shorted sighted, naive fool who easily falls for real estate scams. :clown:

Quite a healthy view on our world and the people in it. :(

i'm looking to purchase too however would require shipping to uk ($25) so will hold on for your reviews!!

i was also looking at this DVD, but I think the information on the site is not sufficient. I understand that the author does not want to give away any tips for free, but how does one know that the quality of work he produces will actually be discussed in the DVD? The photoshoot clip is fun, though.

Also, are the techniques discussed good for print quality?

Any way, whoever tests the DVD must ask for comission on all the potential sales :)

I feel that I must get it, but will wait until reviews!

I was going to wait but it will go up to $200 then....I figure if I learn a few good techniques it will be worth the $150, i've spent more on stupid things :) Also judging by his before/after work i'm sure it will be great. The hard part is knowing how to use the techniques when it comes time for you to step up.

And for the real estate comment, that just made me chuckle. But then again I guess I don't see it as a big gamble anyway. I don't expect it to make me a top gun in a NY retouching studio, but if you take enough of it away and practice it will sure help get down that road.

Well I suppose we will all see in due time. Please Please submit reviews.

I will also be looking for your review - the work looks incredibly cool, I'd love to create pictures like that!

I've only just wandered back past this site after a busy summer, but I'll add my 2c to this one. I know of Vitaly off another site of professional photographers, and I've seen some videos he did a while back which weren't available to the public, and picked up some very nice ideas. I haven't seen this video, and I'm interested to know how much of the time is spent on studio work and how much on post-processing, but I was impressed enough with what I've seen in the past, that I will be ordering these videos.

This dvd is taking forever in the post, stupid holidays...

Ill post a quick review when i get it.. :)

I watched one of his videos a couple of years ago on retouching. He had a pretty destructive method of retouching back then, meaning he kept on mering the layers together as he was retouching. So there was no way of going back and fixing something a client didn't like. I'll be interested in seeing if he still does that. Can't wait for the reviews.

I also see that it went back up to $198. If it's a great video tutorial, what's an extra $50 if I'm going to learn a lot. I've paid much more going to one day photoshop seminars.

Hi everyone, i have also been interested in this video. Would love to hear the review on this one.

thanks!

mine won't come until the 8th :/ usually the UPS ground is no more than 5-6 days from the west coast.

I should have it today in post ( 28 Dec -> 4 th = 8 days - holidays = 5 days) but i think i will get it tomorrow of on Monday/Thursday.

when i get it i will post a review.

still waiting :(

got it today
I'm nooooooot a happy camper. I'll wait to see what others say.

Care to go into details?

Not a happy camper? LOL THATS IT! You better tell us something hehe

got it today
I'm nooooooot a happy camper. I'll wait to see what others say.

and why is that? tell us

well I was hoping there would be more focus on skin. Ok I wish there was SOME focus on skin. What I learned was that you should start with a model that has perfect skin and a great makeup artist.

serious? too bad, that knows everybody.. was there really no tut. about retouching skin? and the rest of the tutorials? how look the images btw? sorry for the much questions haha, but i ordered also a copy and i should have it today but didn't get it..:S

"The only techniques that have been readily available to the public have been the so called “smooth or soft skin” methods that simply blur or smudge the skin texture into an unrealistic plastic doll mess."

"You will see first hand how to masterfully manipulate your images without destroying even a single pore of your model’s skin."


you would think when you read this there would be some good video's about retouching skin..

Did you received your DVD with something like this... I know it isn't Software-Cinema, but your seller should follow a good business practice.

software-cinema (http://www.software-cinema.com/policies.php)]Product Guarantee
All Software Cinema products carry a 20-day 100% satisfaction guarantee. We will refund your purchase if you are not completely satisfied.

I was seriously looking forward to this dvd more than christmas itself, I'd love to hear what others say after getting it.

The DVD and its related documentation are provided "AS IS" and without warranty of any kind. Hot Pixel, LLC expressly disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. You may have additional consumer rights under your local laws that this License Agreement cannot change. Under no circumstances shall Hot Pixel, LLC be liable for any incidental, special, or consequential damages that result from the use of or the inability to use the DVD or its related documentation, even if Hot Pixel, LLC has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shall Hot Pixel, LLC’s liability exceed the purchase amount paid for the DVD.

This License Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Washington State. If for any reason a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of the Agreement, or portion thereof, to be unenforceable, that provision of the Agreement shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to affect the intent of the parties, and the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

Return Policy

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. If your purchased DVD-ROM is defective we will gladly exchange it for a new one of the same title.

Mine is coming on Tue so i'll let you guys know how it is. I'm not expecting any super secrets but I do hope to see some skin work. Judging the sample video where he toggles before and after there's some pretty dramatic tonal changes.

Yeah I agree with the previous poster. This DVD sucked. While it had some useful information, Vitaly really did a good deal of false advertising. There isn't any tutorial on skin. He shows you that he uses the heal brush to remove blemished but who didn't know that already. Waste of money guys! Anyone want to buy a copy I'll sell if for $100.

all completely destructive I might add
I'm about to ebay mine as well.

Wow. What a major disappointment.

yeah! Had my high hopes for this one! *SIGH* To bad guys!

When looking upon his website, he really goes trough dodge and burn to fix the ear-piercing and changing the structure of the ear with d/b...By that video and by his statements he tricks people into buying this product that doesn't deliver anything that's promised in the words that are written! All consumers are protected buy consumer laws! False impression, fake commercials is illegal.Find out were he is operating from(the company is resided in Toronto, Canada)...CHECK HERE:

http://whois.domaintools.com/digitalphotoshopretouching.com

and maybe talk to the local consumer CLICK HERE

http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/oca-bc.nsf/en/ca01696e.html

By his statement where they write all sales are final, is bull****! They don't own the law! So by writing that, it's their way to make people unsure of taking legal action against them!

In norway we do get refund if they promise too much of a product they ship out trough mail! So maybe the laws is the same in canada!

Hope this helps some of you guys!

Important: The On-line Shopping Assistant is designed to help your decision making. Its use is not a guarantee of service and product quality. Remember, any offer that sounds too good to be true - probably is. - Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs -

From their website!

Supercoax have you seen the video jet?

I won't be to quick to brush it of because of a few people find it bad. The earpiece example is a good learning video, and the shaping of the lips is also a good tutorial, and would for many be worth the price of the dvd.

But im curios of the rest of the dvd, i think i will get it in the mail today. Norwegian customs are taking forever.

Keiser: nope, but if someone feels ripped of, then I just gave them a few pointers on where to seek help! I'm just reading what people wrote here and what was stated on the website...

BTW:
I agree that the Norwegian customs sucks!

Depending on the response to my class in Vegas and if I can figure out the best way to record my mac as I work, I might be making a video for skin retouching soon.

Chris

I think that would be an very good idea Chris T.

I have seen your work, and a video tutorial of your workflow, would be something i def would buy.

do it.. :)

might be a good idea for you chris, i feel like today a lot of people are very intrigued and quick to jump on some sort of video, rather then reading about it.

guess seeing it dont first hand is a lot easier to grasp.

might be a good market out there for you.

By his statement where they write all sales are final, is bull****! They don't own the law! So by writing that, it's their way to make people unsure of taking legal action against them!

if it it true what you are saying Gerry, about that it isn't a real law and just invented by him self, it would be possible to get your money back, because the fake law stinks, but the DVD has no tut. about skin, but are the other tut. useful? and are the photo's with it useful?

+ INCLUDED FULL SIZE RAW & PSD FILES

can you see in the PSD files how the skin is done?

+ INCLUDED FULL SIZE RAW & PSD FILES

can you see in the PSD files how the skin is done?

Seeing the blad's PSD file is pretty sweet, the detail is crazy on those cameras. WOW. However He does all the retouching on one layer with only a couple adjustments layers so you can't really see too much. I wish he would have done the tutorial on the other model in the PSD files.

I would be all over a video from Chris :)
hurry up! lol

Seeing the blad's PSD file is pretty sweet, the detail is crazy on those cameras. WOW. However He does all the retouching on one layer with only a couple adjustments layers so you can't really see too much. I wish he would have done the tutorial on the other model in the PSD files.

I would be all over a video from Chris :)
hurry up! lol


Are the rest of the tutorials good? even he doesn't have a skin tut.?:)

Mine still hasn't come yet, I understand it's coming from washington but dang....12 days to get to Ohio !!!??? The shipping should be $1.00 for that speed.

I'll let you know what I think of it tomorrow. I am particularly interested in the Modeling with dodge & burn techniques, I know how to do it but the artistic side of it escapes me.

Judging by the before/after from the lips video (which wasn't there before I ordered) there seems to be quite a bit changing.

Honestly I never took it as a DVD on how to retouch just skin. I took it as tutorials that helped you achieve the magazine advertising look, with some skin retouching I assumed but not the whole movie.

One thing I didn't expect was so much primer stuff, such as all of part one...I'm hoping thats just not basic tool review, but I havn't seen it yet so who knows.

I had sent a email why it was during so long for i get the DVD and i asked if there are really no tut. on skin.

i've got this email back:

"Hello Ruud

Thank you for your email. I must apologize, for some reason your order was lost in our system and didn't get shipped last week. I have contacted our shipping dept and had them ship it to you right now.



No skin tutorial on the DVD? That is absolutely not true, the entire video is dedicated to beauty retouching, it is all about the skin and face. The instructor shows his entire process for beauty retouching, the same process that was used for all of the samples on our website, it most definitely covers skin. The best advice I can give is to judge for yourself, I am sure you will be happy with the video once you have a chance to view it in its entirety.



Sincerely,



Customer Service

www.digitalphotoshopretouching.com "



I found this on their website:

Table Of Contents:

Part One: Retouching Tools

1. Introduction
2. Levels
3. Color balance
4. Hue/Saturation
5. Clone Stamp
6. Healing brush
7. Brush tool
8. History brush
9. Dodge & burn
10. Eye Dropper
11. Liquify
12. Warp
13. Unsharp Mask

Part Two: Complete Retouch

1. Introduction
2. 3D Modeling excersize
3. ACR developing
4. Retouch setup
5. Image healing
6. Hair shape with liquify
7. Head shape with warp
8. Ear & eye shaping
9. Modeling with dodge & burn
10. Wrinkle fading
11. Removing ear piercing
12. Hiding ear vains
13. Reshaping lips
14. Adding lip color
15. Removing eye vains
16. Fading eye redness
17. Teeth whitening
18. Teeth de-yellowing
19. Teeth shaping
20. Adding lashes
21. Filling in hair
22. Hair shape liquifying
23. Darkening lashes
24. Making pupils pop
25. Shaping the body
26. Removing fly hairs
27. Local contrast
28. Sharpening

to be fair there is 10 minutes on skin but anyone who has done basic retouching won't be happy with it.

I was hoping to learn how to deal with problem areas or problem skin, different tones, coloring. Vitaly even mentions in the DVD the model has flawless skin to begin with.

Also to be fair, there is a lot of other info on fixing hair, teeth, eyes, etc... but personally skin is the holy grail and the healing brush didn't cut it for me.

If you're new to retouching it's a great starter dvd, not worth $200 though.

hmmm hopefully he will release a dvd dealing with skin techniques with less than perfect skin. I was also hoping to see some D+B skin correction.

he does have a section on d&b that's decent.

i think a vid of chris' work in action, should he do it, would be best bet for you guys, because d&b is a lot simpler than most think....it's developing you aesthetic / eye, that will be tougher, take more time than actually learning how to operate the d&b controls.

i wouldn't rely on the dvd's teaching a broad spectrum.

I am going to definitely do it. Just a matter right now of putting together a decent enough content package and getting it done. I am sure no one wants to watch me retouch a model for 5 hours.

Thanks for the tip on Ambrosia's software Captain Hook. That is what I was leaning towards and you an others only confirmed it.

Chris

I am sure no one wants to watch me retouch a model for 5 hours.
Chris


Don't be so sure, I wouldn't mind at all..:-)

I do also!

Chris

RUUD: Hmmmm...sounds good! but does it taste as good as it sounds? GIVE US FEEDBACK WHEN YOU GET, RUUD! OK?

Ummm...I also bought the video and should get here sometime this week. I will keep an open mind, but for $157, it better have something to offer. If not, I wouldn't support any other videos he plans to produce in the future. I'll gladly pay money for a good tutorial, but to do so it must be better than what is provided by the photo shop guys. I too will let you know.

I attended a photoshop seminar at last years photoexpo and all I can say is that Chris offered up more info in his alloted time (which was cut short) than the other two speakers combined.

I would preorder a DVD that is still just a thought to him right now if offered.

I too ordered the DVD should be here Thurs. and as I have really come to terms with D&B, my skin retouching looks great but I'm just looking for any other tips and tricks.

As for working on one layer and being destructive, I think most of us here can figure out how to use a good technique on a different layer.

I look forward to seeing for myself but I am really looking forward to seeing what Chris has coming!

I am sure no one wants to watch me retouch a model for 5 hours.

I sure would. :)

Just a thought, you could have "deleted scenes" of some sort so that people could watch the tut, and if they choose watch the whole process from start to finish, rather than what a lot of them do, " I'll pause the video" and when they come back its all done. Which I can inderstand because of attention span and video size (but hey DVD+R's are cheap :) )

I am going to definitely do it. Just a matter right now of putting together a decent enough content package and getting it done.

Thats Great! i'm glad to hear that. You can count me in on whatever tutorial you make.

One thing I would like to see Chris is more information about retouching from apply image...I have it set on my sticky notes to try and get deeper into that but from my limited expermenting I can't really "color correct" like your article in Katrin's book. It looks like a very powerfull tool that I hardly ever use. And of course problem skin retouching would be great too, as seen in the DVD talked about, retouching fairly clear skin is pretty straightfoward.

As far as the DVD, mine came in today and....

I wish the DVD had a section on skin retouching for the dark haired lady with sunglasses, she had some pretty rough skin on her upper cheek. Using the methods he teaches I could replicate his "after" picture on the psd, it just took a long time.

So far at first glance I would say I am happy with my purchase, it's not a bargain but there isn't anything else out there like this either. At $200 it's pretty steep unless your just starting out. I didn't think there would be so much primer on the tools, which for series one is ok, and if you never used them you would be lost. Perhaps he will get more advanced in the future releases. I will finish watching it tonight and leave another post either later tonight or tomorrow evening.

So if you were the giving stars...5 being the best...how would you rate this video?

Thanks for your thoughts on direction Adam. I will definitely consider apply image and/or calculations to add in or as a separate dvd maybe.

Chris

calculations saved me a ton of time today. masks took 10 min, normally would have taken a lot longer with the complexity of the angles and curves of the product using the pen tool.

i also remember reading about it (chris' part) in katrins book a couple of years ago!

glad i read more into the process. is a real extreme time saver.

chris, please, please pretty please start soon! We are all waiting :D I would see you retouch for 5hours! for us it's not the time, it's the how to get there that's important!

I know a good title for your retouching dvd('s) ;)

...I might be making a video for skin retouching soon.

Chris

I'd like to advance book one

Ok I finished watching the DVD and here's my review, first the short and sweet then some more details.

If your starting out in photoshop went through some photoshop books and are looking for more tutorial than a 10min "makeover" and would like a blur free portrait, then I would rate this 5 stars. If you've done some beauty retouching but want your photo's to pop more and learn a few tricks on how to use the tools in a different way I would give it a 3.5-4 stars because of cost. I already knew all the tools covered in the lesson but but seeing where and how they used helped. If your looking to reconstruct skin, even skin-tone color or other advanced techniques then this isn't for you, perhaps his next DVD will cover hours of skinwork. His workflow is somewhat destructive however not that bad as he flattens his work after he's sure it's right. He also shows you how to D&B on a separate layer if you want. The extra raw files and PSD's are icing on the cake. They provide plenty of practice and a look at his version to compare to yours.

While on the skin subject there was about 13mins of clone and healing brush review in the beginning, working on another photo, basically showing how they work and why there different. Later on about 11min of cloning to cleanup (I think he also did some offscreen) and then a little D&B to even skin texture. The model didn't have perfect skin, but some bumps and pimples. Working with the 39mp Hassy files made this easy to produce flawless skin. There are sample photo's with rougher skin to practice on as well.

While there wasn't anything new to me at all, the biggest thing is watching how to D&B to shape the body, that helped me the most. Also seeing how to use liquify the right way (subtly) was pretty cool, as I have never really messed with it before. Seeing how to pay attention to the not so obvious was cool, as I never noticed her hair being "top heavy" before he mentioned it. Rebuilding the ear where the ear ring was is pretty slick, but that's as far as reconstruction goes, which I think the first one was to not get to crazy anyway.

All in all I am satisfied with my purchase. Like all my books and tutorial DVD's I get, I will sell it on ebay after I have practiced and it has become second nature. After selling and paying a portion of it off, makes it pretty good deal.


*Edit**
I wish he would add an online highres before picture, but there is a full size after on the site as well.

Chris...I really appreciate the help and positive comments you provide members on this site. Suggestion..can we tell you what we would like to see in a DVD and then you could tell us what you could provide and the cost. To make it worth your time you'd probably want some advanced payment You could also sell this at your seminars.

Adam
Nice breakdown of the DVD in question. Good to see that it is not as bad as was mentioned or at the least has some good merits here and there.

And quite honestly, I am at the moment retouching a stunning asian woman shot with a P45. A close up, say two feet away. Still a major part of my day just to make her look great. Not much less time than from a Canon 5D or mark 2 Ds.

Skydog:

Always open to suggestions for content. Advanced payments not necessary. : )
But lets do this on my blog. I will start a new entry for it. This has kind of started to ursup the original intent of this thread.

Chris

Good idea, could you provide a link to your blog please?

Shellby, click on Chris's username and select "view blog". You can also access it through the Blog link at the top of the forum.

it had to be simple! Thanks pixel monkey

Okay...I too reviewed the video. I'm sure everyone has their own spin based on my personal experience. Bottom line...I liked the video and give it 4 Stars (I can't give it 5 because I don't have another to compare it to. Cost I would give 3 star. I wonder how he set this cost. The cost is now $200+ if you ad shipping. $80 to $125 based on other DVDs, I feel would be more reasonable. Would he sell more at $200 or $100?
The first part he covers and gives examples of some basic photoshop tools that he uses for retouching:
1. Introduction (33.32 seconds)
2. Levels (5:35 Min)
3. Color Balance (2 min 20 sec)
4. Hue/Saturation (7 min, 17 sec)
5. Clone Stamp (5min 40 sec)
6. Healing Brush (5 min 36 sec)
7. Brush Tool
8. History Brush
9. Dodge and Burn
10. Eye Dropper
11. Liquify
12. Warp
13. Unsharp Mask
Any of the above you can learn from a basic photoshop book and there are many on the market. Nothing new here if you know/use the basic photoshop tools If you don't its not a bad video, but again you can get this information a lot cheaper from books or other DVD's.

The second section he retouched a photo from start to finish and explained what he was doing along the way. This was good and he used all the tools covered in the first part. One major point came home to me. To achieve a high end retouch one must start out with a high end model, high end makeup, high end camera, high end camera and a high end photographer. The all go together. The texture of the skin was already good because the light and the camera was able to capture the details of the skin. Definitely different from a prosumer camera. All he had to do was correct the flaws of the model from the surrounding skin. As mentioned already, I did like his use of the warp tool, and the liquid tool to shape parts of the body. He also did spend about 10 to 12 min on dodge and burn and that was very interesting for me as far as what was burned and what was dodged. This is the only time he left the video and came back with a more polished job...the tones looked flawless.. I also liked what he did to the lips, and the eyes. Every adjustment was light and not over done.

So...if you know very little about photo shop and retouching I definitely recommend this video at ~ $100. Two hundred only if you can't find another. If you are somewhere in the middle, like myself, I again recommend if you can afford the money for a few new ideas and techniques. For the high end guys create a $100 DVD and make a killing.

Where is the "sweet" pricing spot for such a product. I have the same problem when it comes to selling photos...finding that sweet spot...definely not easy.

"2. Levels (5:35 Min)
3. Color Balance (2 min 20 sec)
4. Hue/Saturation (7 min, 17 sec)"

So this is a retoucher who knows nothing of Curves, Selective color..., and he's retouching on flat layers hmmm. Color Balance!

have to agree with markzebra, bad enough the guy uses levels but to use color balance doesn't say much...

This may just be his style. He did say there were other video's coming. My concern, as stated, is the price. Seems high, but I have no other video on Retouching to compare it to.

I've been debating with myself today with regards to the comments on skin retouching. It seems, from this video, that if you have a great camera and good light you'd have good skin texture. At that point all the retoucher has to do is retouch the flaws (opinions) on the skin of the model. I shoot with a 30D canon and L series lenses and I've never gotten the skin texture that he started out with. I can see how the professional camera can help get this prior to retouching. One aim, I guess, is to take a bad skin photo and try to retouch it to make it better...seems it would be easier if you had a good shot to begin with.

when you see the original file from the hassy you'll think your camera sucks ass
the detail that thing captures is insane.

i still have my film hasselblad and i have access to a drum scanner at work, which is a huge reason i haven't switched over completely to a digital workflow...

when you see the original file from the hassy you'll think your camera sucks ass
the detail that thing captures is insane.

I assume you are zooming in at 200%+, is that correct? If so, is the detail noticeable in normal viewing distance, such as when looking at 8x11 vs examining a 17vs22 print?

Thanks

Thanks AdamZx3 and skydog!!!

It seems, from this video, that if you have a great camera and good light you'd have good skin texture. At that point all the retoucher has to do is retouch the flaws (opinions) on the skin of the model.
Good light, a good makeup artist, and a model with good skin. Those last two can save hours of postproduction time.

Check out this video posted on his site, it takes the expensive camera speculation out of the mix.
He shows the shoot and before and after from a Canon G9 "point and shoot"

http://www.digitalphotoshopretouching.com/video-samples/shoot1/vid1.htm

Check out this video posted on his site, it takes the expensive camera speculation out of the mix.
He shows the shoot and before and after from a Canon G9 "point and shoot"

http://www.digitalphotoshopretouching.com/video-samples/shoot1/vid1.htm

already saw that, and again I'll state if you're looking for problem skin solutions this isn't your video. You can still see in the g9 shot the model has near perfect skin to start with.

I agree with mrbeagle. The g9 is okay, but the skin doesn't compare to the shot with the Hasselblad - the textures is significantly better. And I also said correct lighting is essential. I have a much better appreciation of the high end retouched picture...it is the total package...

Im still waiting for getting my order! it it now 12 WORK days later:S!! and i already contact the site..:S

i have reviced it today.. but did anyone also had to pay 40 euro extra:O:O!? i ordered and paid it before dec 31. butthey losted my info in ther system! and sended later and now i think they have set it to 225 dollar:O..

Ruud...I'd like to hear your spin on the video...also compared to the $225 you paid.

I'd like to hear what you think of it also Ruud. Please.

Thanks

Chris

i will give a review today or tomorrow, when i have the time;)

Now I saw almost the complete DVD I just don't know why some think this DVD sucks??

I think this is a great DVD with Excellent Information. yes there is not really much on skin, but well how to shape the head with dodge and burn. i didn't buy this DVD for only skin, and yes I'm familiar with Photoshop because i use it every day so i didn't need that part of retouching tools, but for beginners is it just great because if you don't see those videos you just don know where to start. Vitaly explains almost everything very good. i only think this DVD is more for beginners than for semi~Pro's. when i have to give this video a star rating i would give it **** for beginners/familiar types with photoshop. i would give it five stars when the price would be lower.. because 200 dollar for a DVD? way to much. I should ask 100 for it. But now about those Photo's that were included.

I don't have the worths for it.. they are amazing detailed! well what can you expect from a 39 mp camera. also if you open the PSD files you wont see much layers that is because he does almost all the work on one layer. but you see the layer of the shaping shadows.

i think it also would be nice if you could download it from the website for money off course. because I life in the Netherlands it is a big bill to ship it to here. i had to pay 40 euro for tax!!

( I'm not good in giving reviews)

Thanks Ruud.

Good to know that there is some goodness to the DVD.

Chris

Ruud,

Looking back I never read where anyone said this video sucked. The only disappointment I read was that it didn't cover as much "skin" retouching as hoped...but then again who needs to retouch skin when you're shooting with a 39 mp camera. I believe everyone agrees with your assessment...four star...some good stuff...great for a beginner...and over priced...around $100 would be a better value.

Sky

The majority of the images on my site were shot with a range from 22mp up to the P45.
They STILL need a lot of skin work. Probably a bit more because of the beautifully captured detail.

Chris

I agree with what you are saying. It depends on what we mean by skin work. The video definitely retouches the skin...imperfections, color, dodge and burn. What he didn't have to do was create texture...it was already there from the sharpness and detail of the photo from the camera, light, and photographer.

Sky

The majority of the images on my site were shot with a range from 22mp up to the P45.
They STILL need a lot of skin work. Probably a bit more because of the beautifully captured detail.

Chris

Yea I take back what I said about it being easier :) I guess I meant the professionally shot photo's made it easier to work on than what i'm used to (d80 with a not so sharp lens and me behind the wheel :) ) It's amazing you can see the crosshatch texture pattern on the skin in some of the area's! He did have a 1DS MKII file in there to that was just as nice to work with.

AdamZx3, I will wait untill you put it on ebay! I looked for your id but I couldn't find it though! :depressed :tongue:

I got my dvd yesterday. expensive (+60$ tax, germany) but a lot of good stuff on it.

he works on the skin with simple techniques (healing, D+B).
but isn't it that what the pros do?
or are building a new skin texture, transplantation of skin texture and so on ....common techniques?

sorry hi to all, a question for ruud92 & Meditom you had to pay to the carrier an extra money for taxes....
or that plus money are at the check out when you do the online trade???

I paid 195$+25$ shipping+30EUR tax germany.

Adam

Thanks for the clarification.

To be honest, I don't remember the last time I had to create texture in my skin work.
If it is shiny and devoid of pores from the Photographer I leave it that way.

Chris

Thank you all for your comments on this topic. I really wish the "manufactorers" would think more globally and provide downloads. It's always a hustle with customs and shipping cost from overseas. I guess lots of people would buy more, if it was made more simple. Anyway hope you all learn a lot and enjoy Photoshop eben a little bit more :-)

Regards Amica

Chris, please let us know when your "masterpiece" is available. Can't wait :-)

If not this DVD, do you really have an alternative?

If not this DVD, do you really have an alternative?

Haven't read all the above posts, but suggest that some folks (with broadband internet access and a suitable computer) check out training available at Lynda.com -- for as little as $25 for one month's access to online training videos. I haven't viewed this man's lessons, but I was thrilled with other lessons I viewed during a trial subscription. There are free lessons available to try before deciding to pay. They have both online videos and DVDs (for some subjects) for most or all Adobe products. I didn't see any problem for users outside the U.S., but I'm not positive about that.

I cannot say whether there is high level skin retouching with d&b in these training videos, but there is definitely a lot of advanced Photoshop training available at reasonable cost. Deke McClelland's lessons on CS3, expecially on creating/using masks are top-notch.
Enhancing Digital Photography with Photoshop CS2 - with Chris Orwig
(http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=191)

CJ, there is no problem from outside US, only prereq is possession of a credit card.

CJ, there is no problem from outside US, only prereq is possession of a credit card.

Good! Thanks for the info, amica.

Some people seem to think that just using a 39m MP Hass is the answer to your prayers. Let me tell you I use a 22mMP Mamiya which I upgraded to from The Kodak pro slrn 14m MP and the detail is significantly higher, but what that also introduces is a hell of a lot more detail to retouch and any flaws really show up. I now spend much more time retouching my images. There are no easy answers or we would all be doing it.
The DVD is OK, not for advanced users but still I found some interesting stuff on it, it's always useful to see the way someone else work. I'd recommend it for beginners and intermediate level, if your advanced you can probably work out your own way of doing it. The price is steep but if you have ever produdced a commercial DVD you will realise that it is very expensive to do so.

that's why i tell people not to waste their time retouching lores images...