Basic retouch and colorization

This tutorial will show you how to do a basic retouch, change the colorcast of an image and colorize some of its elements.


Step 1. We will use this Naomi Watts image:

Duplicate the layer then go to Filter -> Noise -> Median...and enter a value of around 3 pixels. Then go to Filter -> Blur -> Gaussian Blur... and enter 5 pixels.

Step 2. Add a layer mask (by pressing the third button on the lower part of the Layers Palette) to the layer you have just blurred and fill it with black. Then pick a soft, medium sized brush and start painting with white on the layer mask. Make sure you avoid any lines on the face; use it only on the skin, to get a smooth, professional effect. Vary the brush size and opacity depending on the area. Avoid blurring the eyes, lips or hair.

After you finish this step, you should get something like this:


Step 3. Add a Curves adjustment layer with the following settings:


Step 4. Add a Selective Color adjustment layer with the following settings then fill its mask with black.

Reds: -55 0 0 0
Neutrals: -20 +15 –40 +5

Now paint with white over the lips and you will notice they’ll turn a light pink. Make sure you follow the edges of the lips properly.



Step 5. Add another Selective Color adjustment layer with these settings:

Yellows: -100 0 0 0
Whites: 0 0 0 –25
Neutrals: +20 –10 –50 +8

Fill its mask with black and carefully paint with white over the eyes.

Step 6. Go to Layer -> Flatten Image, then to Filter -> Sharpen -> Smart Sharpen... and use the following settings:





Finally, go to Image -> Canvas Size… and choose black as a color, 40 pixels for both Width and Height to add a stylish outer border.




The final result:

27 comments:

Danielsky said...

nice and fast.

santusi said...

amazing

Unknown said...

its very easy. good

Anja Emerson said...

Thank you, guys! I'm glad you found this useful. :)

David said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
David said...

Congratulations Anja! I love the blog :D.
Great tutorial.

Anja Emerson said...

Thanks a lot for your kind comment, David! I really appreciate it. :D

Unknown said...

Awesome post. Reminds me of ads for Piaget.

Anja Emerson said...

Thank you, Rob! I'm glad you liked it.

punni said...

very nice!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Niya said...

It's really very superb. Loved it. keep blogging and thanks for sharing.

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Unknown said...

how to add selective color?

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Glad i found you here. You make photoshop easier to use, THANK YOU

International Manual Clipping Path said...

Excellent. Brilliant tutorial - thanks.

Unknown said...

Hi! I am new to this end of the photography stuff! I am looking to buy a Photoshop program! I really want the best but yet easy to use. Do you recommend any specific type?

Anonymous said...

how do you get to editing a photo? i would like to try

clippingpathindia said...

Very impressive.

Atiqur Sumon said...

Good and easy to learn tutorial.

Anonymous said...

GREAT POST THNAK'S

pay net said...

i didnt get step 3

Anonymous said...

awesome!!

goldglitter10 said...

Thank you SO much !

Sonic98 said...

Didn't work for me just made the person look red. Maybe it doesn't work when you use a person with a strong tan. Seems like most Photoshop tutorials work or don't work based on the complexion of the skin

WindRider said...

@ Sonic I did an African American woman and it worked for me, good tutorial!

here's my before and after

http://winkyoureye.tumblr.com/post/13576752014/retouch

Mauro Cantelmi said...

Hi i am Melbourne photographers really like the way of editing...

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