Hey friends, I recently took this shot of a friend and when she posted it to her personal profile she got a response from someone that I'd like some help dissecting. The commenter stated that the individual's skin looked "over done & is less 'real' looking". I've been practicing the techniques for portrait retouching learned from the Dani Diamond tutorials and I have to say, I felt pretty good about this edit. Granted, the commenter on the social media post has no photography or retouching experience whatsoever, so I'm not inclined to pay attention to what they said. But as peers/fellow photographers I would appreciate it if you'd take a minute and give me your two cents, to let me know if you see anything that could use improvement.
It's art, so you should and will get lots of opinions. I too think Dani's photos are often over-done with unrealistic eyes, but he is going for a certain style and he nails it, and his photos are awesome. Retouching skin is touchy and it is a fine line between flawless and plastic. I think the flawless skin looks normal in a fashion shoot with over done makeup, etc, but in nice personal portrait like this, I would tone down the effort to make the skin look as smooth as Barbie's. Of course this too is just my opinion. The picture is a great one. If you are happy with it, and your client is, then you succeeded. Great job.
This is probably the most detailed perspectives I've heard, thank you so much Joseph! You've really given me some things to think about as I head into future shoots and edits. :)
I agree with Joseph. If you are happy with it, and your client is happy with it I wouldn't worry. I don't find the retouching on this over the top at all. There is still texture to her skin that seems suitable to her age. Definitely great work.
Thanks Mike! :)
i like the photo. good exposure, good looking subject. the stray hairs are the only thing that kills me. but that's just me. Keep up the good work.
Thank you sir! It's always an internal battle for me whether or not to really go after the stray hairs, haha!