too much skin post production? before/after

JaravissJaraviss Registered Users Posts: 148 Major grins
edited October 21, 2007 in People
first attempt at editing skin in photoshop.
(ignore the flat lighting for now...just want to know what you think about the skin fix)

how much is too much?
is this too much? does it look fake?
do you have a before/after example that you can share?

thanks.
-G

beforeaftersb6.jpg
equipment:
canon rebel XTi
18-55mm lens
60mm macro lens
75-300mm telephoto lens
canon speelite 580 EXII

Comments

  • rusticrustic Registered Users Posts: 199 Major grins
    edited October 18, 2007
    I'd say yes, too much, especially on the face and shoulders. I don't have any of my own examples, but normal skin just isn't that uniform.

    I do think that the color is better in the second image (on my uncalibrated monitor).
  • BertWagnerBertWagner Registered Users Posts: 10 Big grins
    edited October 18, 2007
    I agree with rustic: too much softening on the face. I think especially with the cheeks, they can be a little crisper to show some definition instead of being totally smoothed over. I think the amount of correcting of the shoulders is fine though.

    And it looks like you've lowered the amount of blue in the skin in the original photo (good!) but now I think there is too much green/yellow in your corrected photo (but I'm still waking up so I might be seeing things rolleyes1.gif).
  • FlyingginaFlyinggina Registered Users Posts: 2,639 Major grins
    edited October 18, 2007
    I am no expert, but I personally like the glamour treatment and I'll bet the subject does too. YOu can try reducing the opacity on your final layer to let some of the detail from the original show through, just to see what you think. I suspect, though, that improving the lighting to create more depth in the face will make a big difference.

    If you haven't seen it, this thread might interest you on the subject of portrait retouching.

    Beautiful model by the way.

    Virginia
    _______________________________________________
    "A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know." Diane Arbus

    Email
  • k2butterk2butter Registered Users Posts: 259 Major grins
    edited October 18, 2007
    If I didn't see the before shots, I probably would not think it was too much, compared to the originals though, I think it is a bit too much, BUT I think you did a really great job, I have seen a lot of very poor samples of "fixing" skin your technique is very professional looking.
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited October 18, 2007
    Good questions...

    First:
    Do YOU like the skin treatment toward your goal?


    Second:
    I like the skin treatment for this kind of shot. (generalization here)
    If your going for more of a glamor shot, I think your on-track. thumb.gif


    What woman would rather have a (glamor) portrait that shows off her flaws? That's what I thought...

    She sees "accurate" everyday in her mirror. If that's what this woman wanted, she wouldn't wear ANY makeup, which of course she does.


    Everyone wants to look their best, even if that takes some manipulation. She has some splotchy skin, I think in this type shot she would rather not showcase that.

    Again, I think your on-track for you goal thumb.gif
    Randy
  • JaravissJaraviss Registered Users Posts: 148 Major grins
    edited October 18, 2007
    thanks everyone
    i think i'll take your comments and reshoot

    1. concentrate on getting a better shot first (with lighting/exposure/etc).
    2. careful attention to color rendering
    3. find a "happy medium" on the retouching...
    a. too much = glamour..ok for some shots
    b. lower a little to bring out more natural features.

    thanks again!

    one day i'll repost and see how i've improved.

    thanks for the link too!
    very imformative tutorial.

    i love it.
    -G
    equipment:
    canon rebel XTi
    18-55mm lens
    60mm macro lens
    75-300mm telephoto lens
    canon speelite 580 EXII
  • gmonkehgmonkeh Registered Users Posts: 312 Major grins
    edited October 20, 2007
    Hi Jaraviss,

    This is a little late but the skin is a tad overdone. You've lost all the detail in her skin, and bit too much softening.

    Here's an example of what I think works, but it's just me. Some people might think mine is overdone as well, just a matter of personal opinion.

    87570485.jpg
    http://www.reverbphotography.com
    Nikon D300
    Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D
    Tamron 28-75 f/2.8
    Nikkor 80-200 AF-D ED f/2.8
    2 Alien Bees AB800
    Nikon Speedlight SB800
    Elinchrome Skyport Triggers
  • JaravissJaraviss Registered Users Posts: 148 Major grins
    edited October 21, 2007
    cool thank you!
    when i get another shot (a better shot to start with, that is)..i'll try again.

    p.s. the eyes on yoru 2nd image are *AMAZING*clap.gif
    they really draw you in and are so "crisp"!!!

    LOVE IT!


    -G
    equipment:
    canon rebel XTi
    18-55mm lens
    60mm macro lens
    75-300mm telephoto lens
    canon speelite 580 EXII
Sign In or Register to comment.