Retouch challenge - Male headshot

[super_szymek]

Hello its my first post here so please make some comments about my retouch:

http://www.profabrika.pl/images/male_face/male_face.htm

[laura.lala]

Here is my version. Nice photo to practice on. I am waiting for your comments/critiques.

[pellepiano]

Now hes made of 600 playboy cover images.

[_Steve_]

Here's my try on a fireburn.
Hopefully i will get some useful tips

cheers,
Steve

[Nanls]

Originally Posted by KR1156

best "tip" I learned over the last year or so as a retoucher…

"stop looking at the image as a retoucher, and look at it as the art director".

little things like that is what i'm here for.

That's funny my art director doesn't know anything about retouching; just gives basic direction. And I was told as much by the Marketing Director when I was hired. She told me they were not just looking to hire a retoucher but someone who had the expertise to tell them what is needed and then pick up the ball and run with it. Which is fine with me. I don't care to be micro-managed. They're happy and I'm happy!
~Nancy

[anothermethod]

I was sitting here and found this site. I figured I'd try one out. I'm not sure which of my monitors is color correct at the moment so if the background looks a bit peach I apologize.

http://www.roflsaurus.com/users/admin/guy.jpg

P.S. I couldn't find the larger version. The 'other sizes' link on Flickr was not there for some reason.

[Sunniee]

My version.....

[pixelzombie]

Originally Posted by anothermethod

I was sitting here and found this site. I figured I'd try one out. I'm not sure which of my monitors is color correct at the moment so if the background looks a bit peach I apologize.

http://www.roflsaurus.com/users/admin/guy.jpg

P.S. I couldn't find the larger version. The 'other sizes' link on Flickr was not there for some reason.

not sure what happened there..i won't be using flickr again, that's for sure...

[anothermethod]

Yeah, I've had that happen to me before. It seems it does it for the ENTIRE site when it happens.

[stosh7]

Added some drama with a couple of contrast masks ...

Stosh

[JD Spears]

First post. Thought I'd give it a try. Not sure if it will show up.

[LosFakos]

my versions of this image
pls comment...

[MarioC]

Hello
Heres my imagation ""
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q256/p517/hs.jpg

[pinky s]

here is my attempt



http://i25.tinypic.com/fxz38z.jpg

[hubiii]

my two versions one clean and color, second bw

[alexandrab]

Hi guys!

This is the first time I'm posting on this forum. Here is my version of the "male head". Let me know what you think

[alexandrab]

One more try. I don't see the link to my version of the "male headshot" in the previous post, so I'm trying again.

alexandrab
www.photocleanup.smugmug.com

[anothermethod]

Hi Alexandra. Looks pretty good for a first try or something like it. The output quality is low, but I'm guessing you just saved it out of your editor low. It seems a bit too contrasty to me as well. It got a little dirtier looking due to the pores opening wide up with the contrast adjustments.

Anyway, welcome to the site!

[bazza64]

Just playing around, I thought he needed some 'attitude'

Barry.

[_lukie_]

Hey guys this is my first post on this entire forum, here my shot at the retouch, i had some trouble removing the forehead lines completely but i think it doesnt look too bad, constructive criticism welcome:

MALE HEADSHOT RETOUCH

Although looking at it again now it looks quite plastic which is what i was trying to avoid haha.

[jr3000]

first time post
let me know what u guys think

[bend28]

Rule #1
NEVER BLUR SKIN! EVER!!!!!!

[anothermethod]

You can blur skin but you need to reapply the skin texture

[aiksing]

Originally Posted by anothermethod

You can blur skin but you need to reapply the skin texture

Hi "anothermethod"

I jus started with retouching. I saw alot of videos that used Surface Blur to smoothen skins. But after i read up more, I realise itz not the best method also. U mentioned to apply skin texture back again, how do I do that? clone the skin textures?

I have also tried retouching the Male Headshot's photo, will post it when i reach home tonight. yeah

[anothermethod]

Hello Aiksing

Your best bet to re-apply the skin texture is to clone it, yes, to get the actual models texture back. If it's a hard task you can also make (or download) skin texture brushes.

The easiest way though is to not blur it, and retouch it by hand. This method takes a lot more time, just erasing blemishes, lines, etc.. and healing/cloning in good parts, but it almost always comes out looking better.

[vincebeus]

Here are three takes on your photo.

[Chain]

Similar style to what many others have done.



Download high-resolution PSD (CS3)

[bend28]

Rule # 2:
See rule #1

[bend28]

the best way to achieve professional results is to dodge and burn, no blurring is ever necessary and most high end photographers and retouching studios would fire you for blurring skin. the best retouch is an image that doesn't look like it was retouched

[Chain]

Wait... what's rule 1?

---

nvm, found it. And yes. Blurring skin should be avoided.