improving blown out skin

[modelsfret]

hi, im trying to improve blown out skin, mainly across a models cheeks. not single hotspots, but general blown out skin. any advice on improving it?

[philbach]

Well there are several ways. One way is to convert the photo to Lab mode and colorize the blown out areas and then switch back into RGB

[0lBaldy]

You might check this thread "blown out face help pls" (found by using the 'Search' button @ top of page.. using the advanced search button and 'search titles only'... with blown as the keyword)

[AKMac]

Originally Posted by philbach

Well there are several ways. One way is to convert the photo to Lab mode and colorize the blown out areas and then switch back into RGB

Hi Phil,

I'm completely baffled by this. Can you explain the technique, and why a conversion to Lab is required to achieve it?

regards

a k

[philbach]

http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/pho...-out-skin.html

Here is one technique from a quick search this forum. Also converting to lab is one of many ways to approach the problem.

[AKMac]

Thanks Phil,
I read the thread you referred to. The relevant quote seems to be "Convert the image to Lab. Then on another layer, paint the skin in, with the layer set to color. This won't work in any other colorspace - as Lab allows you to have a color that,s nearly white but still a color."
I am surprised to hear this. I suppose I should try it out for myself. But surely, if it is not possible to create this subtle, almost white colour in RGB, it will be equally impossible for RGB to show it once the conversion back from Lab is made. Or am I missing something?

a k

[philbach]

Well after you colorize the area in lab. Lower the luminosity a tad and switch back in rgb and during the conversions the color stays in.

[AKMac]

I'll have to try it.

[AKMac]

No it doesn't. A colour value of R255 G255 B254 in RGB Mode and in Lab Mode gives exactly the same result.

[philbach]

In lab you need to lower the luminosity at tad before you switch back to RGB. Then the conversion will show color.

[Gary]

Have a look at applying one of the inverted RGB channels (via Apply Image) in Soft Light mode to a duplicate and using a mask to selectively apply at the preferred opacity.