Blotchy skin in b&w

[grrranimal]

Hello, all:

This is my first time seeking wisdom from the oracle of the RetouchPro community. I've been benefiting from your knowledge for some time as a lurker, but I thought I'd throw in a question for which I haven't been able to find a satisfying answer anywhere.

I've got a problem with a model who's got quite unevenly coloured skin. Nothing dramatic, she just comes up somewhat blotchy.

That's not much of a problem when I'm dealing with her in colour. I just use colour range selections and bring them into line with the dominant skin tones.

In b&w, however, I have much more trouble.

While there's a lot of advice out there on smoothing skin -- and I'm pretty comfortable with two or three techniques for that -- I can't find anything fulfilling on evening out skin *tone* in b&w.

Attached are before and after examples. (Apologies for the dramatic crop, but the photo is semi-nude, and I don't want to breach the rules of etiquette, 'round here.) I've gotten to a somewhat pleasing outcome, but it's still not super, and my approach took a lot of time fiddling with the clone stamp. Not elegant or efficient.

Any suggestions?


Thanks, in advance, for your thoughts.

--grrranimal

[amica999]

Welcome to RetouchPro, grranimal. Do a search on D&B (Dodge and Burn) on the retouching forum, it has been extensively discussed. Hope you find what you need see you around

[LonK]

Another possibility: Surface blur on selected area, add noise, curves (with luminosity mask), sepia.

[0lBaldy]

just used "Neat Image" and masked out the couch to keep it sharp.

Next time try for a nice warm room, a relaxed model, good makeup and proper lighting all which help in getting a good nude

[mepaulus]

Nice one Olbaldy , i never thought of using animated gifs for before / after pics , does it add much to the file size ?

[grrranimal]

Thanks for the thoughts, OlBaldy. Room was warm, model was relaxed. Don't like full body make-up. As for "proper" lighting, I'd be keen to hear your suggestions! All the best. --grrranimal

[grrranimal]

Originally Posted by LonK

Another possibility: Surface blur on selected area, add noise, curves (with luminosity mask), sepia.

LonK: I like the effect you've achieved, a lot. Though I might dial it back a little, I like the direction a lot. Can you be a bit more explicit about your process? Thanks, very much, in advance. All the best. --grrranimal

[chas18052]

This might help you. http://www.thelightsright.com/TLRVid...litChannelsPt2