Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do Frequency Separation Portrait Retouching in Photoshop:
1. Duplicate Your Base Layer:
* Open your portrait image in Photoshop.
* Press Ctrl/Cmd + J twice to duplicate the base layer twice. You should now have three layers: `Background`, `Layer 1`, and `Layer 2`.
2. Rename Your Layers:
* Double-click on `Layer 1` and rename it to `Low Frequency` (or just "Color"). This layer will handle the color and tone.
* Double-click on `Layer 2` and rename it to `High Frequency` (or just "Texture"). This layer will handle the fine details and texture.
3. Blur the Low Frequency Layer:
* Hide the `High Frequency` layer by clicking the eye icon next to it. Make sure the `Low Frequency` layer is selected.
* Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.
* Adjust the Radius until most of the skin texture disappears, but you can still see the overall shape and color transitions. This value depends on the resolution of your image. Start with a small value (e.g., 2-4 pixels) and increase it gradually until the desired effect is achieved. The goal is to smooth out color variations without completely removing the shapes.
* Click OK.
4. Apply Image to the High Frequency Layer:
* Unhide the `High Frequency` layer by clicking the empty box where the eye icon used to be. Make sure the `High Frequency` layer is selected.
* Go to Image > Apply Image.
* Settings for Apply Image:
* Layer: Choose the `Low Frequency` layer.
* Blending: Subtract
* Scale: 2
* Offset: 128
* Invert: (Make sure it is *not* checked)
* Click OK.
5. Change the Blending Mode of the High Frequency Layer:
* Make sure the `High Frequency` layer is still selected.
* In the Layers panel, change the Blending Mode from "Normal" to "Linear Light". This will reveal the texture.
6. Group the Layers (Optional but Recommended):
* Select both the `Low Frequency` and `High Frequency` layers by clicking on one, holding Shift, and clicking on the other.
* Press Ctrl/Cmd + G to group the layers.
* Rename the group to "Frequency Separation." This helps keep your layers organized.
7. Retouching the Low Frequency Layer:
* Select the `Low Frequency` layer.
* Use the Brush Tool (B), the Lasso Tool (L), or the Mixer Brush Tool (B) for color and tonal adjustments.
* Brush Tool/Lasso Tool:
* Set a very soft brush (0% Hardness).
* Set the Opacity and Flow to low values (around 5-15%). This allows for subtle changes.
* Use the Eyedropper Tool (I) to sample a color near the blemish or color variation.
* Gently paint over imperfections to even out the skin tone. Use short, overlapping strokes.
* For larger areas, you can make a loose selection with the Lasso Tool and then feather the selection (Select > Modify > Feather) before using the brush.
* Mixer Brush Tool:
* This tool is often preferred for frequency separation because it blends colors while preserving texture.
* Experiment with different settings, but a good starting point is:
* Wet: 10-20%
* Load: 5-10%
* Mix: 75-90%
* Flow: 5-15%
* Make sure Sample All Layers is *unchecked*.
* Use the Mixer Brush Tool to blend colors and smooth out tonal transitions.
8. Retouching the High Frequency Layer:
* Select the `High Frequency` layer.
* Use the Clone Stamp Tool (S) or the Healing Brush Tool (J) for texture imperfections (e.g., stray hairs, blemishes that affect texture, pores).
* Clone Stamp Tool:
* Set Opacity and Flow to 100%.
* Set Aligned to *on* if you want the sample point to move with your brush. Turn it *off* if you want the sample point to remain fixed.
* Alt/Option-click to select a source area (a clean part of the skin).
* Paint over the imperfection to replace it with the texture from the source area.
* Healing Brush Tool (Spot Healing Brush or Healing Brush):
* The Healing Brush Tool blends the texture from the source area with the surrounding area. The Spot Healing Brush is particularly useful for small blemishes.
* Alt/Option-click to select a source area (with the Healing Brush - not the Spot Healing Brush).
* Click or paint over the imperfection. Photoshop will try to blend the texture and tone automatically.
9. Refine Your Retouching:
* Zoom in and out frequently to check your work.
* Remember to be subtle! Over-retouching can make the skin look unnatural and plastic-like.
* Adjust the Opacity of the `Low Frequency` and `High Frequency` layers (or the "Frequency Separation" group) if you feel the effect is too strong.
Tips and Considerations:
* Image Resolution: Higher resolution images will require larger Gaussian Blur Radii in step 3.
* Skin Texture: Some skin naturally has more texture than others. Adjust your settings accordingly.
* Practice: Frequency separation takes practice to master. Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings and tools.
* Non-Destructive Editing: While frequency separation creates new layers, you're still technically working destructively on copies of your original data. For completely non-destructive editing, consider using Smart Objects for your layers. This way, you can re-edit the Gaussian Blur and Apply Image settings later.
* Alternative Methods: There are other ways to achieve a similar effect. For example, using a High Pass filter instead of Gaussian Blur. Experiment to find what works best for you.
* The Mixer Brush Tool: Many professionals prefer the Mixer Brush Tool for low-frequency retouching because it helps blend colors while preserving texture, resulting in a more natural look. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you. Remember to keep "Sample All Layers" unchecked when using the Mixer Brush in the Low Frequency layer.
* Dodge and Burn: After frequency separation, you can use the Dodge and Burn tools (or Curves layers with masks) to further enhance the contours and highlights of the face.
By following these steps and practicing, you can effectively use Frequency Separation to achieve professional-looking portrait retouching results in Photoshop. Remember, the key is to be subtle and aim for a natural look. Good luck!