"Perfect Skin" in PS

[dcw@pr]

Hi,

You know that airbrushed look you see in the skin of models in fashion adverts and the like, where there are no blemishes or anything like that?

How do you do it?

I have seen one technique once somewhere, but I didn't pay much attention at the time, and now I don't remember anything about it. One way that I have been shown is to basically use a Median Noise filter, and blend in the effect. However, I found that it caused a bit of posterisation on the skin, which doesn't look too good.

I would guess that a way of doing it will involve a similar process to this, with maybe a contrast reducing mask or something like that? Really I have no idea though...

Does anyone have any tips, or know where to look for them? I'm not agaisnt buying books on the subject if some are recommended.

Cheers

[agp]

Lighting is very important. A Lastolite Triflector, and a large soft box above will give good results.

www.karlu.com/studio_3wayrefl.htm

[esprit87]

David,

I think this might be what you're trying to achieve: www.dustylens.com/glamour_look.htm

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

esprit87 said:

David, I think this might be what you're trying to achieve: www.dustylens.com/glamour_look.htm

Good site that one. Hands up who didn't click on 'Fine Art Nudes' then....

[simpo two]

Fix the problem at source - book more expensive models

[chim_knee]

Also, (assuming you are using Photoshop CS) judicial use of the healing brush can give staggering results. Clone tool too.

I have heard something about adjust the chanels (red in particular)... I've tried it but didn't really succeed (didn't try that hard TBH though).

[V6GTO]

My hand went up (but I'm going back for a look now!)

Martin.

[gravymaster]

ok ive had a go:

Healing brush, another layer in overlay with gaussian blur and and a layer in between set to darken mode IIRC to correct the contrast caused by the overlay layer if that makes any sense.

I also slightly reduced the red channel in the levels and finished it with fred's intellisharpen.



Cheers.

Matt

>> Edited by gravymaster on Wednesday 1st December 21:04

[_dobbo_]

Post the original as well then we can compare!

[stringer_m]

Another trick is to create a layer set, duplicate the backgound image, apply the Noise/Median filter with a realitvely high radius and then use the opacity control to obtain the effect your want. This can produce images that look very soft on screen but when printed still retain a lot of detail.

You can also use a cross processing curve on the filtered layer to create a more interesting effect (like a highlight lift).