FS (what else) : where do you fix the color then?

[Aladdin]

Just like anything else in PS, looks like there is more than one way to do Frequency Separation. My question is: On which layer do you fix the color if the texture is fine but the color is splotchy or spotty or just needs fix. Do I use the LF layer? what brush should I use, normal brush or healing brush to "copy" color from source area?

[Der_W]

When you just want to correct the color, I'd go with a new layer in "Color" mode right above the whole split.
That is because not only the low, but also the high pass layer contain a little color (if you're not doing an asymmetric split), so you could always end up with a little wrong color afterwards if you're just correcting one of the frequencies.

[Aladdin]

If I understand you correctly, then I don't need FS at all if all I want to do is to fix color? correct?

Additional question regarding the LF layer. I saw somewhere that some editing could be done on the LF layer. I was under the impression that the LF layer is created only to help/aid in the process of creating the HF layer. Why would we edit on the LF layer and what tools could be used on this layer?

Thanks.

[Der_W]

Yes, for color corrections I merely if ever use a separation (alone).
Sometimes that's a nice byproduct when working on the LF layer, but it's not my main way of doing things.

The LF layer contains the larger frequencies and not details. So you could for example use it to even out tones with whatever tools you like and don't have to worry about losing skin texture.
E.g. some people like to paint on it, some blur it etc.

Here's a good example of using the LF layer as well as the HF layer to get skin looking nice: http://www.exposingfashion.com/2011/...new-year-2011/

Edit: Another one: http://hiendworkshops.com/2010/08/18...y-separation-2

[Aladdin]

I got it. Thank you so much Jonas, generous as usual.

Aladdin.

Dear Santa: for 2011 xmas: PhaseOne 645DF and a PhaseOne P40+ Digital Back - some nice light, bigger studio - an assistant or two would not hurt.

[nebulaoperator]

Thank you Der_W brilliant links.

[JSFphoto]

Xmas is too far away! How about Easter? ;-)

The studio:
http://www.captureroom.com/homepage.html

We can also take care of that assistant thing for you I'm sure:
http://www.kmrworldwide.com/


On a more related note... You'll see in the video that I am using a feathered lasso and blur on the LF layer. This smooths out the skin tone a bit and also softens the shadow/ highlight transitions. Don't blur too much! Keep it subtle and work in patches. I'll use a radius of 9-10px w/ the blur. With the size of the image that the P40+ gives me 9px is not that much at all. Just enough to take the edge off.

[Aladdin]

Thanks for the heads-up JS