Notes

How to Retouch Skin in Photoshop Using Frequency Splitting


The frequency separation approach is a tried and true retouching methodology. Here's the best way to do it.

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Photoshop's Frequency Separation method is used to retouch the pores and skin. You're in luck in case you have ever needed to use this method to your photographs. This tutorial will present you tips on how to create layers in Photoshop to separate frequencies. Let's get started.

What is frequency separation?

The frequency separation technique is a way to retouch an image by dividing it into two layers: low and high frequencies. The low frequency is the colour info, whereas the high frequencies are principally texture particulars.

When you employ frequency seperation, you'll work on each layer individually. Editing turns into extra localized, permitting for more environment friendly removing of blemishes and pores and skin discolorations.

The frequency separation method is an previous retouching technique that was utilized by skilled retouchers, but it has been replaced with different extra fashionable techniques. Many photographers still use frequency-separation because it is a fast and simple technique to retouch the skin with out having third-party plugins put in or hiring skilled retouchers.

8-Bit vs. 16-Bit Frequency Separation
There are two common frequency separation setups, one for photographs in 8-bit format and the opposite for 16-bit. To determine which to use, you'll have the ability to simply have a look at how the picture was rendered. The default mode for most phones and DSLRs is 8-bit, however advanced systems have choices of 14-bit or 16-bit.


Check the tab that contains the name of the image at the prime of Photoshop to see what it is. You'll find either RGB/8 or RGB/16 on the end of your file title. If you may have an image that is 14 bits or more, then 16-bit separation would be the most appropriate choice.

It's essential to note that, over time, some Photoshop customers observed that there was no difference in the results of side-by-side checks utilizing either method. This is true whatever the bit depend. We'll cowl each methods on this tutorial.

How to arrange frequency separation
This setup is out there in a number of totally different variations. We chose some of the fundamental methods for frequency separation, which uses as few layers as is feasible to achieve the most effective results as rapidly as potential.

You will discover methods to create separate copy layers for the high and low frequency. Each will be named accordingly. We'll apply a blur on the low frequency, and an Apply Image rendering to the excessive frequency.


It's not tough to automate this setup with a Photoshop Action. We'll additionally group the layers to make it easier to prepare and edit them if essential.

Download the Pexels instance image to comply with along.

Double-click Ctrl+J to duplicate the background layer.
Step 1: Press Ctrl + J twice
Double-click the first copy, and rename it "Low frequency".
Step 2 Low Frequency
Double-click the second copy, and rename it "High Frequency".
Step 3 High Frequency
Remove the High Frequency Layer box.
Step four Uncheck high Frequency
Select the Low-Frequency layer. Gaussian Blur may be discovered underneath Filter > Blur.
Step 5 Gaussian Blur
Radius may be changed to the appropriate pixel size for the picture. You'll need to adjust the Radius in order that texture particulars begin to fade. We selected eight for this picture. Click OK.
Step 6: Change Radius to 8.
Select the layer by checking the High Frequency box.
Step 7: Select excessive frequency
Click on Image > Apply Image.
Step 8 Image Application Image
How to regulate the settings on 8-bit pictures. Change the settings for 8-bit photographs within the Apply Image menu.
Change the layer to Low, select Invert, then change Blending to Add and scale to 2. Keep Offset at zero.
Step 9: Apply image settings
Linear Light is the default mix mode.
Step 10 Blend Mode Linear Light
To choose both layers, click the high frequency layer and Shift + Click the low frequency layer.
To group layers, press Ctrl+G.
Name the group "FS" for separation of frequency.
Step 13 Name layer FS

PortraitPro is a third-party photo editor plugin that may streamline your workflow.

Step 2: Editing the High Frequency layer
We can now retouch the picture utilizing Photoshop's frequency separation layers. Start with the High Frequency Layer, and use the Clone Stamp Tool (S) on the blemishes.

You'll more than likely need to use a Hard Round Brush with Flow at one hundred pc. Sample must be set to Current layer.

Clone Stamp Brush Sets
Press the Z key to zoom in. To enlarge an image to the total display, move the mouse left or to the best. Start by specializing in the top part of the face. Start with the top of the face.


Zoom in on forehead
If you're on the lookout for a fast refresher, we cover the Clone Stamp in detail.

Continue cleaning any rough areas and blemishes as you move down the picture. Switch to the Soft Round brush when you wish to use Clone Stamp near borders and features between pixels. This will prevent onerous edges from inflicting distortion.

Soft Round Clone Stamp
It's not necessary to have every little thing excellent the primary time. You might need to return to the High Frequency Layer to complete more work even after transferring to the next step.

High Frequency Work

You might find that sure areas are higher resolved with the Spot Healing or Healing tools. You can experiment with different instruments in case you are a newbie.

Step three: Editing the Low Frequency layer
Most of the colour information is saved in the Low Frequency Layer. Here we will easy transitions between colors for knowledgeable appearance.

You can easy out patches in a number of different ways. The Lasso tool can be used to choose out the Low Frequency layer after which apply Gaussian Blur.

If you want to work in a non-destructive manner, and later correct any mistakes you might have made, you can add an extra layer to the Low Frequency Layer, then convert it right into a Smart Object.

These are the steps to comply with:

Select the Low-Frequency layer. To duplicate the layer, press Ctrl +J.
Step 1 Low Frequency Duplicate
Click on the model new layer, and then click Convert to Smart Object.
https://pps.innovatureinc.com/what-is-frequency-separation/ Step 2 Smart Object
Select Filter > Blur and then Gaussian Blur.
Step 3 Gaussian Blur
Choose a price for the texture that is pale. For this image, we selected 18. Click OK.
Step four Radius 18
Press and hold the Alt key while choosing the Mask icon. This will create a black adverse mask.
Step 5 Inverted masks

Start brushing with a Soft Round Brush with the Flow at a decrease value, corresponding to 50%, wherever a smoothing end result could be helpful. Avoid brushing the edges as it will probably cut back the dimensionality of the picture and make it look flat.

Brush smoothing
Check out our information on the way to use the Brush software in Photoshop if you're in search of a quick refresher.


Here is our image, earlier than we convert the Low Frequency Layer right into a Smart Object.

Before Low Frequency
This is our finished image:

After Low Frequency

You can also scale back the Opacity when you wish to scale back its effects. We reduced it to 75 percent.

75 Percent Opacity
The Best Friend of Photographers is Frequency Separation
Frequency separation is a great possibility for photographers that wish to do retouching rapidly.

You need not send your photos to knowledgeable to make use of a way such as frequency separation..

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