Wet behind the ears!

I have a series of photos taken of a model. She however has a skin problem that I have pulled my hair out trying to come up with a fix for it within PS7.
I have tried many tips seen here, but I am convinced this one needs to have my hands held and shown the way.
I am seeking some help with this one:
Better skin tone (http://members.rogers.com/cawebguys/retouch/P8109184.jpg)

Thanks.
GlenG

GlenG:
I don't know if this is what you're looking for or not. If it is, this is how I did it.

I duplicated the background layer twice so that I would have a total of three layers. The background layer is not used but is there for backup. Turn off your top layer so that you are able to see the middle layer. You do this by clicking on the icon that resembles an eye. This way you can turn the layer on and off as needed. Then selecting the middle layer apply a median blur, which you find under filter > noise > median. Watch the image as you apply the median and stop when you no longer see the blemishes. Don't overdo it. Next, go to filter > texture > grain and apply the following settings: intensity at 14-20, contrast at 50 and grain type soft.

Now go to your top layer and click on the eye to turn the layer back on. Select your eraser tool and set the opacity to 50 percent. Now, brush away the forehead, cheeks, etc. as needed. Remember each time you lift off the mouse button, you will take another 50 percent off of the image. Try to do it slowly. You might want to try actually setting your opacity at 25 percent maybe. Stay away from the eyes and just do the cheeks, forehead, etc. Flatten image and that should do it. You might want to do a little adjustment in your levels and then use unsharp mask to bring it out nicely.

Hope this helps you. It really doesn't take that long to do once you get accustomed to doing it. Others usually suggest using a history brush to do the same thing I mentioned above. This is just a shortcut. Steve
Image Of Model (http://www.trimoon.com/Model.jpg)

Hi. This is an interesting picture because the look is so natural I didn't want to take it too far, or not far enough. I'm still not sure which I did.

Anyway, because I just bought the plugin version of Neat Image, I wanted to see if I could use that as the first step. So:

Copy Background to new layer. In Neat Image I dragged a rectangle on her forehead and saved without any tweaking. This was just to get some smoothness to work with. Set to 63% opacity to bring in more of the skin texture from the background. Copied merged to a new layer. Then using healing brush, I hit the worst spots, being careful not to ruin the highlights.

You could get this smoother with more healing brush or or less smooth by masking out parts of the smooth version. Neat Image has a free demo (http://www.neatimage.com/download.html) if you want to give this a try.

Originally posted by Trimoon
GlenG:
I don't know if this is what you're looking for or not. If it is, this is how I did it.
..snip..
Hope this helps you. It really doesn't take that long to do once you get accustomed to doing it. Others usually suggest using a history brush to do the same thing I mentioned above. This is just a shortcut. Steve


Thanks Steve, your results and step by step instructions are just what I am after. I would probably seek a softer look for her skin I however have something by which to work with for which I am thankfull.
I will try my hand at it tomorrow myself and then provide some results.

Thanks again, for your help.
GlenG

Originally posted by Andrew B.
Hi. This is an interesting picture because the look is so natural I didn't want to take it too far, or not far enough. I'm still not sure which I did.


You did fine by me. I have gotten a solution by Steve that provides me the basis for work without added process and yours that provides me a way to see which is easier and results in a happy model.

I must admit that your use of the Neat Image software does provide a much softer skin tone look which I am after.
Thanks for the quick work Andrew. I will follow up with my personal results.
This forum is great and I thank my friends for sending me here, not just lip service but helpful folks.

Regards,
GlenG

GlenG, this might be more response than you are looking for, the responses already provided are great.

I gave it a try and have just one added thought, the dark spots on her face. When traditional methods of skin smoothing are used the black in the dark spots 'greys' down the skin. Since what I did was a little different, here it is (a screen shot is my final with the layers).

Duplicated the layer, just for safety

On the duplicate (Layer A); sampled and painted with a paint brush in color mode to change the color of the dark spots to a pretty skin color. Then used the clone tool on low opacity back and forth to remove bumps. Ocassionaly used patch tool when I had smooth skin texture to sample (created by clone work).

Duped that layer and applied gaussian blur, then masked to just skin.

Duped layer A and moved to top, reduced opacity to just bring in a little skin texture.

Sorry if you now have too many choices,
Roger

Glen, I have been trying various techniques to try and fix problems like this image has. Take a look at this and see if it is anything like you are trying to achieve. If so, I'll post what I did.

Ken

Originally posted by roger_ele
GlenG, this might be more response than you are looking for, the responses already provided are great.

I gave it a try and have just one added thought, the dark spots on her face. When traditional methods of skin smoothing are used the black in the dark spots 'greys' down the skin. Since what I did was a little different, here it is (a screen shot is my final with the layers).

Duplicated the layer, just for safety

On the duplicate (Layer A); sampled and painted with a paint brush in color mode to change the color of the dark spots to a pretty skin color. Then used the clone tool on low opacity back and forth to remove bumps. Ocassionaly used patch tool when I had smooth skin texture to sample (created by clone work).

Duped that layer and applied gaussian blur, then masked to just skin.

Duped layer A and moved to top, reduced opacity to just bring in a little skin texture.

Sorry if you now have too many choices,
Roger

Thanks Roger!

No, I do not have too many chances. I have many tutorials provided by all of you so far.
I like what you have done, but I still need to clear up the skin a bit more without sacrifice to her looks and to the over all image. I have however printed out your tips and will try to accomodate some of your techniques along with a few others that I have gotten.
I guess a good way to know what she will like is to have her see this SIG and all the solutions, that way I have a better feel for her needs.

Thanks again,
GlenG.

Originally posted by KenB
Glen, I have been trying various techniques to try and fix problems like this image has. Take a look at this and see if it is anything like you are trying to achieve. If so, I'll post what I did.

Ken

B I N G O!,
Ken, that is exactly the look I need. Her skin is clean and refined, however maintining the details of her features ( no plastic surgery).

...and the steps are?

Regards,
GlenG

There's actually a tutorial on this site that explains how to do this kind of thing.

It helps to have a grain removal filter. Then there's a bunch of the regular tools, clone tool especially, using at a lower than 100% strength gives really good results.

After you smooth out the skin you want to add a layer of 50% grey (over the skin only), change the layer to soft light, then add noise, and for her dark skin, probably fade the filter in darken mode.

Mig

Originally posted by Mig
There's actually a tutorial on this site that explains how to do this kind of thing.

It helps to have a grain removal filter. Then there's a bunch of the regular tools, clone tool especially, using at a lower than 100% strength gives really good results.

After you smooth out the skin you want to add a layer of 50% grey (over the skin only), change the layer to soft light, then add noise, and for her dark skin, probably fade the filter in darken mode.

Mig

Thanks Mig,

Before posting I had gone through the tutorials, I have done a few touch ups myself. I just was never faced with a skin process such as the sample.
I have made a note of each contributors suggestions as each within there own have been helpful so far, yours too.
24K photos taken over this summer and this lady just happens to provide a challenge.

Thanks,
GlenG

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/IT_scanningspotting.html

Although written for dust busting, some info does apply.


http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/PSTV_links.html#G

Grain, noise and descreen links, to help in smoothing.


http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/PSTV_links.html#H

Photoshop 7 healing links.


http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/PSTV_links.html#R

Rubber stamp and retouching links.


Regards,

Stephen Marsh.

Originally posted by cawebguys
B I N G O!,
Ken, that is exactly the look I need. Her skin is clean and refined, however maintining the details of her features ( no plastic surgery).

...and the steps are?

Regards,
GlenG


Here's what I did Glen

1, Cropped, mainly to end up with a smaller file size at the end.
2, Patch tool on her forehead with the sampled area coming from her left cheek.
3, Darkened the light spot on her forehead slightley by sampling a brown color from her face and painting over the light spot with the brush set to darken and at a low opacity, 15%.
4, A side note all this was done on a duplicated layer.
5, Ran it through Grain Surgery to reduce grain
6, Added a layer mask and painted out the smoothness created by grain surgery on her lips and eyes
7, Flattened and duped again
8, Filled entire image with a nice smooth skin texture using Alien Skin Splat plugin and then added a layer mask to paint out the texture everywhere except her face. Also painted it out on her eyes and lips and her bikini top.

That was it, as another side note, Splat will not work right if you try and use it on a layer with a layer mask, you have to add a layer mask AFTER Splat. I wrote them about this issue , but I never git a satisfactory answer. They just wanted to know my specific computer setup and I never heard back from them.


Ken

Originally posted by KenB
Here's what I did Glen

1, Cropped, mainly to end up with a smaller file size at the end.
2, Patch tool on her forehead with the sampled area coming from her left cheek.
3, Darkened the light spot on her forehead slightley by sampling a brown color from her face and painting over the light spot with the brush set to darken and at a low opacity, 15%.
4, A side note all this was done on a duplicated layer.
5, Ran it through Grain Surgery to reduce grain
6, Added a layer mask and painted out the smoothness created by grain surgery on her lips and eyes
7, Flattened and duped again
8, Filled entire image with a nice smooth skin texture using Alien Skin Splat plugin and then added a layer mask to paint out the texture everywhere except her face. Also painted it out on her eyes and lips and her bikini top.

That was it, as another side note, Splat will not work right if you try and use it on a layer with a layer mask, you have to add a layer mask AFTER Splat. I wrote them about this issue , but I never git a satisfactory answer. They just wanted to know my specific computer setup and I never heard back from them.


Ken

Thanks Ken,
I do not have the Alien skin but will look into getting the plugin. I honestly am overwhelmed at the level of contribution to this unique (mine) issue.
Thanks to all of you for excellent tutorials and sample images I will post up my final results. I must say though I downloaded the Neat Image:cool: software and so far in my trials I am impressed with its abilities.
Ken I hope I can repeat your sample as well.

Regards,
GlenG

Glen, you wouldn't have to buy Splat to apply a texture, you can do that with PS without any additional plugins. I only used that because I knew it had the texture I wanted.

Ken

Originally posted by KenB
Glen, you wouldn't have to buy Splat to apply a texture, you can do that with PS without any additional plugins....
Ken

Hi Ken,

Thanks, I may still add it as I need to ensure that I have the available tools to accomplish such tasks, should and if they arise.

- GlenG

GlenG
Hope you don’t mind
Drawing (http://www.trimoon.com/Model3.jpg)

Originally posted by Trimoon
GlenG
Hope you don’t mind
Drawing (http://www.trimoon.com/Model3.jpg)

Okay, you folks have to stop this:D
That drawing is really cool. Margaret (the model) has already been impressed with the attention that she has seen so far with regards to her image correction. I will forward a copy of the darwing to her.

Thanks so much, very impressive work and help from this SIG.

Regards,
GlenG

Used the technique in jakaleens "how to remove acne" tut to get rid of the blemishes. add a colour balance layer to even out the skin tones. added new background, adjusted levels, enhanced the eyes, teeth & lips. added a new layer with a radial gradient fill with the gadient centered on the face. Changed the blending mode to soft light then reduced opacity. Then did a selective colour adjustment on the dress to make a light gold colour. Used the new photo filter in CS using the warming filter. I think thats all the steps!

Used Neat Image

Duv

Andrew B

Sorry, I blew right past your post. I agree. I tend to underdo corrective work to maintain an element of reality. I think too much gives you the Playboy perfect look.

Duv

I know it's too late to be of use to the original poster, but here's my attempt using Lee Varis' "Perfect Makeup" technique from the second edition of Katrin Eismann's Photoshop Restoration and Retouching.

In outline - duplicate background, run Noise -> Median and Gaussian Blur. Add a Hide All mask and paint in selectively. Then use noise and embossing on an Overlay layer to add texture back in.

I also slightly enlarged and brightened her eyes, just to practice...

I have a tutorial on my site for this, also as an Action Retouch in the November & December issues of SBS Digital Design Magazine. Though there are variations on the approach, I found the very simplest did the job.
1. Dup the background
2. Gaus Blur AMT 9 on the dup
3. Add noise 2.5 on the dup
4. Alt click the layer mask icon for the dup (this gives you a black mask)
5. With the dup layer mask highlighted, paint with white over the skin areas, but not the edges (nostrils, eyelines, lips etc.) White reveals the smooth skin.
6. Lower dup layer opacity, or not, to achieve desired result.

This takes all of 60 seconds to do!

Luvs,
Mama



see mama's image (http://www.shanzcan.com/retouchpro/modelskintone.jpg)

And I'm told airbrushing is unrealistic?

Originally posted by pierresplace
And I'm told airbrushing is unrealistic?

Hmmm. Dude, what's up with that crack? :(

You're still on the other thread in critiques. I don't think you offended anyone who questioned airbrushing faces, I know I wasn't offended, doesn't matter to me how anybody does anything. Why should I care? For what it's worth, I don't like overly smoothed-out faces either, which I think you're commenting on here.

It's simply I have never heard of anyone using traditional airbrushing on faces. I was initially trained in the traditional end of it by Jane Connor Ziser (someone still teaching professionally, and quoted in Eisman's book), who told us not to airbrush people, instead covered the dye techniques and stressed avoiding overdoing it so it didn't look airbrushed. You do know, when a non-retoucher says a portrait "looks airbrushed," they mean "it looks fake." (When it probably wasn't actually airbrushed.) You said trad. airbrush should be used on faces, hey I can admit I'm wrong. Whatever looks good, right?

So what exactly do you mean by "airbrushing?" You keep talking about it, but you've never shown it. In Photoshop, it's just an option on the brush tool to let opacity build slowly when you hold the button down. You select a color and go and paint with the brush tool on people??? Why won't you share what it is you're talking about? Nobody's offended. Rather, you're the one acting offended.

You said you used airbrushing for skin tone adjustments. You meant with Photoshop, right? Why haven't you, say, used the image in this very thread to share this technique?

Oh communication, that elusvie state. I'm just having my morning coffee so I do no have the time nor inclination right now to debate with you, however, I did say I'd send something up to the board, and I will. Also, I did point out in another post how I do this. In addition, you mention you never heard of it AND someone told you not to do it. Is that the end all, be all of the matter? I also posted some before and afters recently using only the airbrush to accomplish the results.

An option on the brush tool? No wonder we're so far from understanding each other here. I use 5.5, yes PhotoShop, and the airbrush is a tool unto itself, not an option on another tool. And you say I'm making cracks? Are you using PhotoShop?

Listen, I'll put something up here but I will tell you one thing, just because you were told something once before, or never heard of something before, does not mean that it's carved in stone. I come here to learn and to share. The post previous to "my crack" showed an example of another techinque, a 60 second technique to remove blemishes. That is what my "crack" was aimed at. That's realistic? Posts do not necessarily have something to do with you. They usually follow the post previous to them. Now let's call a time out now on this foolish argumentativeness and be professionals.

:rolleyes:

Hey I said I can admit I'm wrong. Whatever looks good, all I was saying. I know how message boards work, I used PS since 3.0, and wasn't flaming you. But I do think you were flaming photoshopmama.

I searched your name, and I think I found the post (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7363) you're talking about, and I checked your webpage.

Just forget I said anything.

Hugs and kisses everyone! One last thing though. I have Photoshop 7 and can't even find an airbrush tool. Is this true? If so, if I ever want to use this technique on anything, is there a way I can do it?

Cheers
Duv

When you select the brush tool
Up top in the center you should see a air brush Set to enable airbrush

Silly me. I see it. Thanks!

Duv

I can take the flaming! What I posted was a screen shot of the overkill...the idea is to lower the opacity! As a note on any difference between airbrushing and the gaussian blur technique...there's not much of a difference, as I use both techniques in my workflow. Using the airbrush, sampling colors is like painting with a "gaussian blur." The thing is, there is a distinction between retouching, restoration and "fashion or glamour" retouching. What you may consider fake looking, will be the only thing that will get appoved by a celebrity's publicist or magazine editor. Sad but true. Also went to check out pierre's photos and agree that larger versions would be nice. Also he does a real good job on restorations but noted severe overspray remnants on the glamour retouching examples!(burn burn burn!) ouch!

All in fun
Luvs Mama

When I sent up larger versions I was criticized, now I send smaller versions and I'm criticized? "Severe overspray remnants?" What is it with this board anyway?

PS. It wasn't a flame actually but come on, look at those eyelids, those are realistic?

Well, I wouldn't have criticized larger because I like larger versions of images. I suppose if I didn't have a DSL connection, the page would load slower.

Re: eyelids...on that base version the eyelids were the "original" in that that area was not effected by the gaussian blur, but I agree and in contrast to the softened skin it does look pretty bad. So click the link below to see the continued retouch with some curves adjustment layers for the contouring and highlighting, hair color, lips etc, I've posted an image that would have more of a chance making a magazine cover than the original. Remember, I'm not talking reality...because the model just has too many flaws to make it "naturally." Glamour magazines want "perfect" which you and I and everyone else knows is not a reality. I like to say, "we bring out the inner beauty" Click here. http://www.shanzcan.com/retouchpro/essence.html

Also, I've marked the overspray of some of your images. This can happen when you're using a large diameter airbrush (which really is a good choice because it performs more like an airbrush). But you have to add a layermask to go back with a smaller hard edge brush for cleanup.
Overspray (http://www.shanzcan.com/retouchpro/overspray.html)

Gee. I hope we haven't forgotten about GlenG in all this. In his original post I see nothing about wanting to get his model on the cover of Essence. I suspect he may be happier with earlier efforts. Mama, your pic in your last post is much improved but do you really think Essence would buy into the white around her eyebrows? My work is definitely not on their level, so I don't know. Just a question.

Cheers
Duv

Gee. I hope we haven't forgotten about GlenG in all this Given GlenG was looking for input four months ago, I suspect it's OK to forget him at this point... either he has the world's most patient client ever or else at this point anything we come up with is of entirely academic interest...

Good point on that Leah. Seems like only yesterday!

Cheers
Duv

Actually, the "overspray" are the result of a curves adjustment which I detect in my psd. still, it's a careless artifact which needs correction. Thank you.