Hi James,

Must be just you. It's embedded in the post.


This is the link it is embedded from: http://www.pbase.com/jimpoor/image/126909728

When it comes to human retouching, I believe that less is more so I like your treatment of this. That said, I use a chainsaw and not a putty knife - Portrait Professional. I tune it back. You can spend way too much time on flesh and wrinkles if you aren't careful.

Hey Jim,

You are, of course, correct. My server was blocking it. I did see it with my ipad. At the viewing size, it is hard to tell entirely, however, I think you did a nice job with the eyes. It might be nice to see the files at a larger size, or perhaps a swatch of the 100% crop if you don't want to post at a larger size.

I hear what Preston is saying, but I would probably do a small amount of extra work on this photo. For example, I would still consider cleaning up some of the specular highlights. For example, the light going down the nose, and on the lips. You did a nice job with the light and I don't think it absolutely needs to be done...but it would definitely be on the table.

James

I have portrait professional also, I still like Mama Shan's powder's the best. Not expensive either. I am not working on a calibrated monitor so, I can't comment on much else!

Jim,
as with any plug-in, you can control the amount of the effect by fading it in Edit. I generally do that with Noise Ninja when I want the effect but don't want to lose detail. Same with skin smoothing: if you think it's too much, fade it and see if you like it better.

Jim

Thanks James.

I have no issue posting a larger version, just didn't want to go too big for the forum. I'll work on it tomorrow.

I got some of her actions today. I'll try them out tomorrow when I have some time to play.

Quote:

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I have portrait professional also, I still like Mama Shan's powder's the best. Not expensive either. I am not working on a calibrated monitor so, I can't comment on much else!

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You'll like them. The two I use the most are the original composite powder and the silk powder. Silk is a little more sheer, but both even skin tones and take away lines. Leaves enough to be natural. Just pull back the opacity to taste

OK, Here's a comparison of (Left to right, top to bottom)

1. The original 2. My first edit using my own facial retouching plus MCP Eye Doctor & Dentist

3. A new edit, using only Mama Shan's silk powder 4. Another new edit using silk powder, followed by the healing brush, eye doctor and dentist.



For an even larger version go to: http://www.pbase.com/jimpoor/image/126979198/original


I think I got the eyes better in my first edit. I'm not sure if it's the over sharpness or the over whitening I don't like in the final edit. Overall, I think I like the final edit the best, but probably should hit her left cheek a little with the healing brush.

Thoughts?

I like #3 skin the best as it looks the most natural and "real" The eyes are best in #2. She will probably like her skin the best in 4. I don't know. I'd go with 3/2