Should I trust this video???

[SteveB2005]

Wow that's a real drag about the DVD retouching tutorial that it doesn't give much instruction about working the skin. That's what everyone wants in a retouching tutorial the most, how to produce the model's perfect skin, blended beautifully with skin texture and pores. I was tempted to buy it myself if it would help me reach another level.

Please keep us posted

[bri775]

He does go over working the skin and he does a good job if the ends justify the means...he uses the dodge and burn tools on the retouched image itself. All-in-all, I think the video is valuable in showing how another retoucher works. I see the value as seeing how he does it and what steps he takes and adapting my own workflow and tools to achieve the same thing.

Originally Posted by SteveB2005

Wow that's a real drag about the DVD retouching tutorial that it doesn't give much instruction about working the skin. That's what everyone wants in a retouching tutorial the most, how to produce the model's perfect skin, blended beautifully with skin texture and pores. I was tempted to buy it myself if it would help me reach another level.

Please keep us posted

[quadupix]

Originally Posted by bri775

He does go over working the skin and he does a good job if the ends justify the means...he uses the dodge and burn tools on the retouched image itself. All-in-all, I think the video is valuable in showing how another retoucher works. I see the value as seeing how he does it and what steps he takes and adapting my own workflow and tools to achieve the same thing.

I did not get what I was looking for from this DVD and that is, getting that "perfect" skin. He used a model with a very good skin. There is nothing on the DVD that I didn't know before. I guess his good sales pitch on his site sold me...

If you are a beginner then this DVD maybe for you. I'm going to give mine away to the highest bidder on ebay!

[Asher Kelman]

I was impressed with his use of Dodge and Burn to sculpt with work done on masks. The ear was problematic for me since he works with such fine brushes that his transitions are narrow and in the replace piercing sample video, the edge ends up being to harsh and thin. Also the curves of the tragus, which he replaced is too shallow. Again, for a high end retoucher, why no fuzz hair? He took the skin from the flatter more shiny hairless anti-helix.

So it was good to see how he built the structure, but I'd have expected more.

Asher

[SteveB2005]

Originally Posted by mrbeagle

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.

I am thinking about possibly ordering the DVD. It seems some that bought it had some concerns about not enough focus on skin work. I think what others were hoping for was how to build up skin texture when there wasn't any hi-def in the original images. With a 39 MB Hassy or equivilent, you can definitely see pores on top of pores. It would be interesting to see how some texture skin maps could be created where they are needed. Someone else said, perhaps that will be covered in another DVD.

I am probably going to hold off awhile and wait and see when Mr Cricket (CT) will be releasing his instructional DVD. Hoping that will be soon. Keep our fingers crossed.

steve

[pixelzombie]

this came out back in june, but then again he teaches the blur/add noise method which isn't exactly high-end:

http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=600

[Wolfman]

Maybe this other set of tutorials should be looked at: http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/dvds/mfa01.html

[skydog]

Chris..it's been 9 months since you first mentioned working on a skin retouching video...how is it going? Any targeted release date?

[Asher Kelman]

Originally Posted by pixelzombie

this came out back in june, but then again he teaches the blur/add noise method which isn't exactly high-end:

http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=600

Did you buy it?

Asher

[pixelzombie]

no, a buddy has his book and blurring/adding noise is in one of the chapters..he let me borrow the dvd but i haven't had a chance to watch very much of it...

[cricket1961]

Sky

groan...Thanks for the reminder on my tardiness with this : ).

By the way, have you seen my posts on my blog regarding that?

Chris

[bri775]

Likely the best benefit from this DVD is getting the 5 39MP RAW files to work on and also to see how another professional retoucher works. I used his RAW files and went further than he did and got better skin than what he posted.

Originally Posted by quadupix

I did not get what I was looking for from this DVD and that is, getting that "perfect" skin. He used a model with a very good skin. There is nothing on the DVD that I didn't know before. I guess his good sales pitch on his site sold me...

If you are a beginner then this DVD maybe for you. I'm going to give mine away to the highest bidder on ebay!

[bri775]

Videos from Lynda.com, Kelbytraining, and VTC are all geared towards retouching portraits for working portrait photographers and the like. They are not geared towards high-end retouching (at least as far as skin goes)

Originally Posted by pixelzombie

this came out back in june, but then again he teaches the blur/add noise method which isn't exactly high-end:

http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=600

[SteveB2005]

Originally Posted by bri775

Videos from Lynda.com, Kelbytraining, and VTC are all geared towards retouching portraits for working portrait photographers and the like. They are not geared towards high-end retouching (at least as far as skin goes)

Are there any DVDs out somewhere that offer more high end techniques? The Lynda.com have some good training to get serious students started.

[bri775]

Originally Posted by SteveB2005

Are there any DVDs out somewhere that offer more high end techniques? The Lynda.com have some good training to get serious students started.

I'm only aware of the DVD that is a subject of this thread and the one at Gnomon.com by Megan Farrell. I think it is great to watch another professional retoucher work. As we all know there are many ways to do each and every task in Photoshop and to see working pros use a certain tool or technique is a great way to build your own confidence. Lynda.com and Kelby are great training tools to get someone started and to refresh someone that doesn't do fashion retouching every day...

[Beautyshoot]

I bought this DVD a wile ago and I learned so much from it.
it all depends how much time you want to spend on one picture. The most work is the healing brush. After that comes the d&b. You can heal and burn in 10minutes or you can spend 5 hours or even 2 days on that job. That makes the difference in a smooth skin or not.
I am a beginner my self and noticed that if I spend more time on those 2 things, my pictures get better and better.
For me this DVD was realy helpfull.
But what I miss is skintoning and masking.

Jorgen
Amsterdam

[L33t]

Photoshop Top Secret is much more cooler you can watch it on youtube if you dont wanna buy

[Asher Kelman]

Originally Posted by L33t

Photoshop Top Secret is much more cooler you can watch it on youtube if you dont wanna buy

What do you mean by cooler. What is special about it as far as skin retouching?

Asher

[L33t]

Nah this video skin retouching is like a scam :S you can find tutorials on that on internet.

[Asher Kelman]

Originally Posted by L33t

Nah this video skin retouching is like a scam :S you can find tutorials on that on internet.

Hi L33t,

Where on the internet have you found advanced skin repairing, not merely a blended burred layer or else cloning out bumps but supplying perfect texture and even the fine hair? It's easy to say it's on the internet! For sure, someone has posted their tips. However, I have not found anything yet above what we all know.

Any good links?

Asher

[chillin]

You could check this out.

[twopoint0]

This DVD has information and techniques I have NEVER been able to find on the net. In my opinion, this is best suited to experienced retouchers looking to take their game to the next level. The DVD helps you to understand the action of light and how it relates to defining shape in a 2 dimensional space.
I will say the models are beautifully photographed, and they have great skin to begin with, which never seems to happen on my retouching projects.
I did learn a lot though. Find someone to share it with to split the cost.

[Jduran133]

I think its a good video....I myself have it. Its very intense...although the guys voice is so monotone, that u may find yourself saying "UH, SHUT UP". But its pretty good, helped me out with alot of questions i had.

[skydog]

I don't know if we all were looking at the same thing. I agree the video was good basic photo shop stuff, but I still have a problem with what was delivered for the price. At least it turned out better than the 1year backdrop investment. I'm looking forward to the DVD from Chris!

[aceto81]

Originally Posted by chillin

You could check this out.

Anyone who can comment on this?
I saw the DVD where this thread was all about, but didn't find its worth the price. Lots of basic stuff, only some now and then something I rather do a different way.

I'm curious if there is someone who saw both DVD's and can make a comparison.

Ace