Hi Folks

I've been working on this image for so long I can't tell the wood from trees .I won't say which areas I've retouched but does the image look a bit overworked?

Thanks
Neil

Neil , Photographer  posted on 23/01/2009 19:38:37   Posted 36 times

Located:East Grinstead,West Sussex, UK
Member Since: 30/10/2008

I think the light spots in eyes need to be less white. But that is all i can see looks good

I think it looks good. I agree with the post re the eye highlights but you have retained texture in the skin while making it look pure and clean. I think I can see two lines running below the models right eye where perhaps you have cloned out a few strands of hair. Would be interested to know if that is what you did.
Overall, the image looks smashing, well done.

Mark.


Mark
Xpect Photography
Cardiff

Hi Mark

Yes you're right-I have tried to tidy up a few stray hairs there. I think the mistake I've made is removing them on a retouched layer -but not removing them on the background layer. Then I've lowered the opacity on the retouched layer showing the fault...er anyone still awake
Neil

Neil , Photographer  posted on 05/02/2009 21:34:07   Posted 36 times

Located:East Grinstead,West Sussex, UK
Member Since: 30/10/2008

Still awake, thanks for answering my question. Still a good job done.

Mark.


Mark
Xpect Photography
Cardiff

I think the skin looks completely natural and is very well done. But, again, the catch lights are a bit big. I also feel a small bit of tidying up on the lower lip. It looks like the lipstick has been applied outside the natural lip line. I imagine this was a makeup application issue not re-touching one. 

I would lasso (feather 2px) the lip line and then in a new layer clone some of the skin to hide the area. Do the clone at 100% and then reduce the transparance of the layer if you have to. 

In my experience to have some knowledge on makeup application helps allot when photoshopping. I just ask my wife.....

Lovely portrait my friend.

Cheers

Joe 

Hi! Without seeing original it's hard to say if this photo is overworked :). But - Photo looks natural that's true. Hovewer - there are two lines under left corner of eye. Few lines on her nose and also one tiny in the right corner of the eye. Highlights in the eyes  are distraction. One line on the chick and under nose - also some spots in the corner of lips. Lips - definitely needs more work with lower lip. It's hard to see from the size of the picture, but looks a liitle bit like the chin is blurred (or you used patch tool?). No - your picture is not overworked - all those lines are little and tiny (but should be removed) - use stamp tool in 2 pxl size with 35% opacity. You saved nice texture of the skin which is very good!
Well done!

 for the comments and tips everybody I'll give them all a try.

Neil

Neil , Photographer  posted on 20/02/2009 21:50:33   Posted 36 times

Located:East Grinstead,West Sussex, UK
Member Since: 30/10/2008

Quoting post from Khaia

---

Hi! Without seeing original it's hard to say if this photo is overworked :). But - Photo looks natural that's true. Hovewer - there are two lines under left corner of eye. Few lines on her nose and also one tiny in the right corner of the eye. Highlights in the eyes  are distraction. One line on the chick and under nose - also some spots in the corner of lips. Lips - definitely needs more work with lower lip. It's hard to see from the size of the picture, but looks a liitle bit like the chin is blurred (or you used patch tool?). No - your picture is not overworked - all those lines are little and tiny (but should be removed) - use stamp tool in 2 pxl size with 35% opacity. You saved nice texture of the skin which is very good!
Well done!

---

All this and there are a few patchy bits on the skin that could be sorted out with a very slight colour correction. The mascara also is a bit clumpy which can be sorted out with some pin potn usage of the clone tool, there are also some nice lashes that could be useful donors.

hi there,

have no idea how photo looked like before-just showed photo after, so its hard to say what's good job done as retouched...

but as u sait u ve been working on that photo for a long time so as a
first u should take that maskara from that girl eyes (under her
eyes)-looks like an old maskara, what doesn't stick on her lashesh good
enough).

second-there is a lot of hair everywhere, made like wind blowing, what
makes that photo looks natural (from one hand), u should think to do
smth about that cover them with background(right corner, next to her lips) or make them more...
photo is took in the natural light so it is good to change as little as possible-but in my opinion there are things what u could change, still...
ps. sorry about my English thats my second language :) hope I helped u.

think this defines over-retouched

MrB says: 'think this defines over-retouched' well, I think something different...on that photo first what u see is a blond Barbie looking girl. U see no PS filters and only what I would say bad oabout that photo is -I don't like that kinda of models-perfect body, face structure, etc...:)   Work as a retoucher is  work where u use your private point of wiew, I like to retouch photos when I know and see a lot of things to retouch-bad skin, linghts, composition...that doesnt mean the photographer is bad-there is always something what u can get more from photo. I dont like photos & models like that one because there is not a lot of work for me :)