Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques for Photographers Using Photoshop (Voices That Matter) [Paperback]

Scott Kelby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2011 | ISBN-10: 0321725549 | ISBN-13: 978-0321725547 | Edition: 1

Each year, Scott Kelby, Editor-in-Chief of Photoshop User magazine and the #1 best-selling Photoshop author, trains literally thousands of photographers on how to retouch portraits using Photoshop through his live seminars, online classes, DVDs, and standing-room only workshops at the Photoshop World Conference & Expo. Now you can learn the same techniques he uses in his own retouching workflow, in the only book of its kind–one written expressly for photographers who do their own retouching.

As a pro photographer himself, Scott understands that photographers make their living shooting, not retouching. But, delivering fully retouched images is now expected by clients. That’s why Scott put together this amazing resource for teaching photographers the quickest, easiest, and most effective ways to create professional-looking, retouched final images without spending hours grinding away at painstaking, detailed techniques.

LEARN HOW THE PROS DO IT

It’s all here–the step-by-step methods for fixing, enhancing, and finishing your portraits in Photoshop. Using the techniques in this book, you’ll create images that will absolutely wow your clients. You’ll learn:
• How to soften skin and still retain detail and texture

• The best tricks for beautifully enhancing eyes, eyebrows, and eyelashes

• How to selectively sharpen portraits without complicated masking

• How to create gorgeous-looking lips

• How to remove blemishes fast and keep the most detail

• The pros’ tricks for body sculpting

• How to make your subject’s hair look fabulous

• How to give your retouches that natural look that sets them apart

• Plus, you get Scott’s complete 5-minute, 15-minute, and 30-minute start-to-finish workflows

If you’re ready to learn the “tricks of the trade”–the same ones that today’s leading pro photographers use to retouch, tuck, tighten, and tone their images for that pro-retouched look–you’re holding the book that will do exactly that. It will radically change the way you retouch your portraits from here on out, and give you the best-looking, most natural retouches you’ve ever done.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Each year, Scott Kelby, Editor-in-Chief of Photoshop User magazine and the #1 best-selling Photoshop author, trains literally thousands of photographers on how to retouch portraits using Photoshop through his live seminars, online classes, DVDs, and standing-room only workshops at the Photoshop World Conference & Expo. Now you can learn the same techniques he uses in his own retouching workflow, in the only book of its kind–one written expressly for photographers who do their own retouching.

As a pro photographer himself, Scott understands that photographers make their living shooting, not retouching. But, delivering fully retouched images is now expected by clients. That’s why Scott put together this amazing resource for teaching photographers the quickest, easiest, and most effective ways to create professional-looking, retouched final images without spending hours grinding away at painstaking, detailed techniques.

LEARN HOW THE PROS DO IT

It’s all here–the step-by-step methods for fixing, enhancing, and finishing your portraits in Photoshop. Using the techniques in this book, you’ll create images that will absolutely wow your clients. You’ll learn:
• How to soften skin and still retain detail and texture

• The best tricks for beautifully enhancing eyes, eyebrows, and eyelashes

• How to selectively sharpen portraits without complicated masking

• How to create gorgeous-looking lips

• How to remove blemishes fast and keep the most detail

• The pros’ tricks for body sculpting

• How to make your subject’s hair look fabulous

• How to give your retouches that natural look that sets them apart

• Plus, you get Scott’s complete 5-minute, 15-minute, and 30-minute start-to-finish workflows

If you’re ready to learn the “tricks of the trade”–the same ones that today’s leading pro photographers use to retouch, tuck, tighten, and tone their images for that pro-retouched look–you’re holding the book that will do exactly that. It will radically change the way you retouch your portraits from here on out, and give you the best-looking, most natural retouches you’ve ever done.

About the Author

Scott Kelby is Editor-in-Chief of Photoshop User magazine, President of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), Training Director for the Adobe Photoshop Seminar Tour, and one of the leading seminar instructors in the industry today. Scott is author of the best-selling books, The Lightroom 3 Book for Digital Photographers, Photoshop Down & Dirty Tricks, and The Digital Photography Book (volumes 1, 2 & 3), among others. His easy going, plain-English style of teaching makes learning Photoshop fun. He trains thousands in his live seminars each year and knows firsthand which techniques are in hot demand.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Press; 1 edition (April 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321725549
• ISBN-13: 978-0321725547
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (97 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,274 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Computers & Technology > Digital Media Management > Photo Editing > Adobe Photoshop
  • #22 in Books > Computers & Technology > Graphic Design > Adobe Creative Suite
  • #60 in Books > Computers & Technology > Programming > Graphics & Multimedia

More About the Author

Photographer, author of "The Digital Photography Book" series & longtime Photoshop book author. Editor/Publisher of Photoshop User magazine, President of the National Assn. of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) co-host of the live weekly photography talk show "The Grid." Co-host of "Photoshop User TV" and Conference Technical Chair of the Photoshop World Conference & Expo. Sleep is over-rated. ;-)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Clearly written, contains some helpful tips, but title is misleading and some of the retouches don't look so great. September 6, 2011

By rasi2290

Format:Paperback

First of all, this book should not be called "Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques for Photographers". It should be called "Fast and Easy Retouching for Professional Photographers". Many of the techniques in this book are useful, and especially if you're a Photoshop rookie, you'll probably benefit from learning them. But as Scott says himself in the intro, these aren't pro retouching techniques.

I also felt there was quite a bit of redundancy in this book. For example, nearly every retouch you do will involve working on a duplicate layer and then using layer masks and layer opacity to control where, and how much of your retouch shows through. This is a crucial step and Scott is right to include it, but he gives it a whole paragraph each time, as though you haven't already learned this step in every other chapter. Maybe this was done to allow a user to skip directly to any chapter, but I still think this could have been explained in detail just once, in the beginning, and then simply referred to.

I disagree with a few specific techniques: in one chapter, Scott recommends using the dodge/burn tools on a gray layer set to soft light mode, which is essentially painting black and white on that layer to adjust the underlying lights and darks. But this completely defeats the purpose of using the dodge/burn tools, which can be set to automatically only brighten your highlights and darken your shadows while ignoring adjacent pixels.

I wasn't thrilled with the final result of the neck retouch (featured on back cover); it looks rather phony and overly blurred to my eyes.

Since I called out one I didn't like, to be fair, I'll call out one I liked: eyelashes. I like the chapter on darkening/accentuating eyelashes....

Everything is cleary written and illustrated, and for the most part, these are useful techniques to learn, especially if you don't really want to learn how to master Photoshop - just get in and out. I have 10 years of experience working with portraits in Photoshop, and I found a few useful tips myself, so I think a novice would probably benefit from this book. Read more ›

41 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Bible on Retouching July 19, 2011

By Glyn Dewis

Format:Paperback

If you ever find yourself sat infront of your computer screen staring at some portrait shots you've taken, Photoshop open and saying "Now what?" or quite simply you want to make your portrait shots look their very best, then I can't say it any simpler than You Need This Book!

`Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques for Photographers using Photoshop' is the latest book by Photographer and Photoshop Guru Scott Kelby and in my own opinion this time he's out done himself and produced what I predict will become the Retouching Bible! Seriously...the book is that good!

With what appears to be an infinite supply of Photoshop books out there lining shelves in book stores it can be incredibly difficult knowing which ones/s to get especially when each and every one promises to `share the secrets of the pros'. The risk of possibly wasting your hard earned cash on a book that you'll glance through disappointingly and then never pick up again is real, and one that I'm sure most of us have done on more than one occasion.

However, this latest book changes things. We now have a book that not only gives us techniques that are easy to follow and apply but a book that eliminates the feeling of `What do I do now?'

This new book is full to the brim of techniques that work and work extremely well and what's more they're written and explained in a way that makes them easy to understand and then apply to your own work.

If you're familiar with Scott's Digital Photography Book series [Link] and the one page, one tip style then this is kind of written in the same way.... Now obviously I don't mean that each technique takes just one page to explain but what I do mean is that the techniques don't drag on and confuse the heck out of you; Scott gets to the point and in a way that feels like he's there with you..."Do this, now do that...there you go!" Simple!

Some folks have `complained' in the past about Scott's humour in his writing but I think even `they' are going to be impressed this time. I don't know if it's an intentional decision on Scott's behalf but this latest book does seem to be written in a way that's slightly different to what we've become accustomed to, but that's definitely a good thing. Personally I like Scott's writing style...I'm a very visual person so for me to read, I need to be entertained as well as informed but this latest book will definitely appeal to all.

So what does the book cover?
The book is made up of 7 Chapters each covering a different area of retouching and on most occasions showing more than one technique to achieve the same/similar result so you can choose which fits in best with your way of working...

Chapter 1: Retouching Eyes

Increasing Contrast in the Iris
Darkening the Outer Rim of the Iris
Adding More Life to the Eyes
Enhancing and/or Creating Catch Lights
Brightening the Whites of the Eyes
Removing Eye Veins
Changing Eye Colour
Reducing Dark Circles Under Eyes
Making Eyes Larger (or Smaller)
Swapping One Eye for the Other
Enhancing Eyelashes
Creating Beautiful Eyebrows
Making Fuller Eyebrows
Darkening the Eyebrows
Sharpening Eyes to Make Them Sparkle

Chapter 2: Retouching Skin

Removing Blemishes
How to Avoid Plastic-Looking Skin
Basic "Quickie" Skin Softening
Softening Skin While Retaining Texture
Softening Skin & Adding Texture Back In
High Pass Skin Softening
Softening Skin Using Channels
Reducing or Removing Wrinkles
Removing Hot Spots
Balance Skin Tones
Reducing Stubble
Applying Digital Makeup
Creating Porcelain-Looking Skin
Sharpening Portraits

Chapter 3: Reshaping Facial Features

Reshaping the Face and Head
Making Features More Symmetrical
Sculpting the Face by Dodging & Burning

Chapter 4: Retouching Hair

Adding Highlights to Hair
Removing Stray Hair Strands
Fixing Gaps in Hair
Changing Hair Colour
Darkening a Part Line
Hiding Roots

Chapter 5: Retouching the Lips and Mouth

Making Lips Larger
Creating Glossy Lips
Applying or Tweaking Lipstick
Changing the Shade of Lip Colour
Repairing Teeth
Whitening Teeth and Reducing Yellowing

Chapter 6: Slimming and Trimming

Overall Slimming
Slimming One Person in a Group Shot
Reducing a Double Chin & Thinning the Face
Thinning Arms or Legs
Getting Great Abs
Fixing Clothes (Lumps, Bagging & Folds)

Chapter 7: My 5-, 15-, and 30 Minute Retouches

Retouching Checklist
My Five-Minute Retouch
My 15-Minute Retouch
My 30-Minute Retouch

Now this Chapter is the icing on the cake! Sure it's ok to know all these different techniques but when do you apply them, and in what order and more to the point how do you decide what needs doing anyway?

In Chapter 7 Scott goes through 3 retouches from start to finish...each more involved than the next; a 5 minute, a 15 minute and a 30 minute retouch covering techniques explained throughout the book and what's more there's an included `Check List' that you can use during your own retouching that goes through the kind of questions you should be asking yourself and that will help you to decide what to do.

Summary
As Photographers we should all aim to get the best `out of camera' images we can but it doesn't stop there! The money and time we've all invested, and continue to do so, to improve our skills still doesn't take away the fact that EVERY image requires some form of editing...even if it's adding a little more contrast and some sharpening.

Being proficient in Photoshop is all part of being a photographer just as knowing what to do in the dark room was in the days of film and this book will give you all you need to finish off your portraits and show them off at their very best.

No matter how proficient you may be in Photoshop you will DEFINITELY learn some valuable techniques amongst the books 384 pages, oh and although the book is written in such a way that you can dive into any section you want, be sure NOT to skip the introduction as there's some valuable hints and tips plus details of the book's accompanying website that includes downloads for you to use too.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Read more ›

66 of 76 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Scott Kelby's best book so far!... April 4, 2011

By David Cuerdon

Format:Paperback

Scott Kelby's best book so far!...
and the very best portrait retouching book for photographers on the market today.

This book is NOT for you if...

You are a professional full time retoucher. The techniques Scott demonstrates are primarily for photographers who retouch their own photos. I'm not saying retouchers won't benefit from this book. I know quite a few pro retouchers that could learn a thing or two from this book, but this book is more focused on the needs of photographers. Those who want to make their photography look as professional, polished and above all, as competitive as they can. Scott's techniques are simple, straight forward, and easy to follow. Best of all they are FAST. I do some work as a high end retoucher and it is not uncommon to spend a day or two retouching one photo. Scott discusses these high end retouching techniques but does not dwell on them. Scott's techniques are geared toward 99% of the photography produced today by portrait, wedding, and commercial photographers. Photographers who need to make their photos look their best in a reasonable amount of time.

What I like best about this book...

Scott has provided an extremely thorough check list for retouching photos. One of the questions I hear all the time is, "How do I know what I need to fix in a photo?" Well Scott's check list has you covered. He lists about 50 items or so that are commonly retouched, everything from sharpening eyes, to reducing hot spots, to body sculpting is listed . Scott also points out, very importantly, that you are probably not going to actually retouch everything on the list.... You might have a photo that only needs two items from the list retouched or you might have to do twenty, but you will most likely never have to retouch everything on this list. The idea is you can go through the list and make note of what needs to be addressed and what doesn't.

I also really like Scott's, "12 Things you need to know to make your Retouching Easier". My favorite piece of advice from the "12 Things", is "#2: Walk Away after a while: If you've been retouching for a while, you start seeing everything as a problem to be retouched, and after about an hour, most folks start to over retouch and not realize it..." I wish I would of had this advice ten years ago!

Another really helpful part of the book is Scott's retouching workflows. Scott offers, "The 5-Minute Retouch", "The 15-Minute Retouch", and "The 30-Minute Retouch". These are perfect for the working photographer! Simply pick the workflow you have time for. You want to show something quick to your portrait client while they are still in your studio? Try Scott's "5-Minute Retouch" to whet their appetite. You'll be amazed the quality you can produce in just five minutes!

All of this information is provided in Scott's easy conversational manor with a big dose of his wacky sense of humor! What I have always liked best about Scott's books, DVDs, live classes, etc., is that Scott always makes you feel like your a friend just sitting down at the computer with him, having a few laughs and learning some really cool stuff! Maybe even have a beer or two...(Scott doesn't drink so I'll have his too, hic ;-)

In summary...

If you are a photographer that does any kind of people shooting, whether it's portraits, weddings, or commercial, and you are doing your own retouching, then you need this book. I guarantee your photos are going to look amazing!

A Quick Disclaimer:

I was the "Technical Editor" on this book. The tech editor gets to go over the book looking for any Photoshop goofs or maybe a procedure that isn't clear, etc. There were very few problems I was able to point out to Scott, after all he is, Scott Kelby! To be completely honest, it was a cake job and I was definitely overpaid. Don't tell Scott ;-)
So my point is I worked for Scott on this book and you might think I am biased. Maybe I am biased, but look at it this way who better than I, someone who is both a professional photographer and retoucher, someone who has read all of Scott's books (or at least skimmed them ;-), to know that this is Scott's best book to date? As a mater of fact I at least skim almost every retouching book that gets published each year.
Now I know a few cynical types will post comments on how I am brown nosing or sucking up to the boss... so be it. Long before I ever received a paycheck from Scott Kelby's company, I was a Scott Kelby fan. Read more ›