Retouching

Retouching.

I recently retouched a couple of images in class and our instructor told us different approaches to do so.
I will tell you how to make an action that will retouches your picture for you.

First you go to actions and select 'New Action' name it retouching.
Now click the recording button. It will turn red once you click on it.
First what you do is 'duplicate the layer' twice (Mac command+ J)
The first one you will name Texture and the next one you will name blur.
The texture layer should be the one on top.
Turn the texture layer off. (click on the eye next to it)
Have your Blur layer selected and go to the bar on top. Filters-blur- Gaussian Blur OR surface blur, either one is fine, don't go to high in Gaussian blur you want to keep some texture on the face.
Now click on the texture layer
Go to Image (top bar)- apply image
Dialog Box
Layer: Blur   Blending: (Play around to see which one looks best) Subtract
Scale: 2
Offset: 128

Click OK

Now above your layer are the blending modes choose : Linear light.
(Nothing will change when turning of the layer)
Go to the Blur layer now.
Stop the recording.
Now you want to retouch the picture, meaning use the patch tool to get rid of pimples and spots.
After your done click the recording button again.
Go to Layer (on top bar) New- Layer
Name it: Dodge&Burn
Mode: Overlay
check the box which says Fill with 50% grey
Drag layer on top of the texture layer.
Later click on blur layer again. Click Stop on action.

Now if you want to get a message when you apply the gaussian blur, during this action you have to go to the menu (corner right from action) -insert stop.

when your done click Save action as.

Now you are done and you can use this for any picture.

Stay tuned.

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After: