Another beginner

[chloe625]

Hi,
I am familiar with the basics of Photoshop but just started retouching. I am a 22 year old business student, with some background in art and color design, and I recently had an epiphany...I want to try to become a photo retoucher, at least as a hobby (though a career would be wonderful).

I would appreciate any advice or feedback on my 1st real portrait retouch attempt. Mainly I am hoping to hear 1) what is good or bad about the retouch, and 2) do you see any talent, however rudimentary, in my work.

Sorry, the pictures were too large to attach.

Thank you kindly in advance.

[L33t]

why do you soften whole images

[chloe625]

Originally Posted by L33t

why do you soften whole images

I was trying to make the hair look softer. But perhaps I did too much?

[kliph]

Great job with the hair and the eyes! She is very pretty. I might have left the freckles, that seems to be a natural part of her that I think is attractive.

[chloe625]

Thank you for the tip, kliph.

[TommyO]

chloe625,
Welcome to the site by the way ! and thanks for posting.

Your result is quite normal for a beginning retouch. I would hope that any criticism you receive will take that into account. If not, absorb and learn.

I consider many of the elements in your retouch to be a "portrait" retouch, not a glamour retouch. There are differences. Your approach to the skin and fine details does not reflect normal glamour retouch technique being applied. However, the things you targeted do reflect normal portrait retouch, i.e. overall color correction, blemish removal, makeup touch-up, lighting adjustment.

I am more concerned if you have obtained any books to read and study. It is important to learn the right theory, techniques, workflows, etc. so that you don't spend too much time learning the wrong ways. Later you will be thankful. It is also much more rewarding and fun - many of the books have downloadable images with step by step instructions. Since you are a beginner, we always recommend this one:
Photoshop Restoration & Retouching, Katrin Eismann, Third Edition, New Riders publishing, 2006, ISBN 0-321-31627-4

Best of luck ! (and I hope she approved of your posting her image.. that's always risky !)

[chloe625]

Thanks TommyO. I do not know the difference between a portrait and a glamour retouch, but what you described is what I was attempting.

I asked for the book you mentioned for Christmas. I am looking forward to learning how to do this better.

[L33t]

Yeah I think so, I would use sharpen instead.

[zakum]

Originally Posted by chloe625

I asked for the book you mentioned for Christmas. I am looking forward to learning how to do this better.

I`ve just bought this from Amazon UK, its about half price