Retouching Shadows

[DC_Headshots]

Hi Guys,
I was recently asked to retouch 45 images for a salon for their hair magazine that goes out two times a year. The salon owner asked me to remove a lot of harsh shadows. I tried my best, but I wanted to know if anyone has helpful advise for me. Here is the photo:

http://www.kristinasherk.com/Core180.gif


Any information/critique would be great!

____________
Kristina Sherk
Photo Retouching
Photo Retouching Blog

[igot2pman]

Hello,

I am a novice, although I am good at finding problems.

I have revised your picture and determined it looks really good. The shadows blend nicely and its hard to tell that there was something there to begin with.

Improvements:
-You missed a very small shadow under her right nostril. Kind of looks like a black bugger.
-Her clear earrings kind of fade into the white background. You may or may not want to add definition (shadow or highlights). Hair ad- maybe not
- Her breast shadow might be a little harsh due to the lack of other shadowing. But do not get rid of it completely.

And by the way, the transition from old to new is a bit fast and hard to find errors.

-Good job, good luck editing

[Verywierd]

I agree that the change from before and after is much too fast. It makes you dizzy trying to study details. A side by side would be better or just post two images.

As for the retouch, from what I can see, you've done a good job. Other than the small nose shadow mentioned by igot2pman (I think the breasts themselves are fine), I have the following comments:

1. Since you have eliminated the neck shadow, I think you should lighten her left cheek and forehead very slightly to match.

2. Similarly, you could get away with eliminating the shadow cast by the right lapel of her shirt on her breast.