Let's talk skin tone smoothing - 5 images

[srwatters]

So most everyone knows that I favor the Kodak Digital Gem Airbrush Pro for skin tone smoothing and in most cases it does a pretty good job of evening out the tone while leaving texture. I've been experimenting with some other techniques and workflow changes to get some better results. I'm looking for opinions, but remember my target client is either a model (wannabe?) or the general public and NOT an actor that is looking for a more 'realistic' representation.

The model I'm using has some larger pores as well as other skin imperfections so I feel this is a valid test.

I offer exhibit a - retouched with my 'standard' workflow:_____________________________ exhibit b - a new workflow and smoothing technique:


And now for 100% crops from the full size 8 bit tif images:


And one more full size image that I spent a little more time on:


Opinions? Too much? Too little? Other comments?

[CaptainTom]

I prefer the new technique. I have always liked a little more "porcelain" tone to the skin.

Off topic --- what 's with the dark shadow at her left eye ? It almost looks like a black eye or something. Is there any hope of lightening that area just a bit ???

[PeteQ]

Scott, I think it looks good and not overdone. You can still see the pores/texture and that's key for me. Even with your target audience I think this look works. Once you start getting into Barbie skin, they just look bad IMO.

This technique looks pretty good. Is it masks or another airbrush setting kind of thing?

[Disney Chick]

I like the newer one, and as a woman who is picky about my own portraits, I think it would make the model happier. It doesn't look surreal to me, so I wouldn't say it's overdone.

[Disney Chick]

The dark spot under her eye is makeup. I had to go back and look for it.

[jeffkohn]

For glamour/model photography I think "workflow b" is spot-on. For a personal potrait, I'd say it just depends on the person although I'm guessing most women would still prefer the second shot.

[Disney Chick]

We like whatever makes us look pretty. At least, I do.

[simon]

I'd say b is a bit overdone; i seem to be more sensative to that than many :)

[xseption]

B - Winner!

[photosbysergio]

Defintely the second one!! Mind sharing how you accomplished the look?

[mramos]

Another vote for B. It has just enough smoothness, very nice.

[debba]

B hi Disney Chick see you made it over here....

[Clayton Wallace]

I'm fine with B, but why is the area under her eye so much smoother than the rest? I looks like the technique failed to preserve texture there all-together (what it looks like actually is the clone stamp used repeatedly with a fairly large feather).

[Wes]

IMHO, the new technique looks much better. In fact, the first image almost seems rough by comparison.

Any chance you could share the step-by-step on how you do it? If not, I understand.

[bondarnes]

Scott,

Here is a new product that many of my friends are raving about. They say Digital Gem is to Portraiture Plug-in as PS Elements is to PhotoShop. You can compare before and after at their website http://www.imagenomic.com/ptsamples.aspx The cost is $ 169. but you get 20% off if you are a member of NAPP. The company also make noise reduction and grain addition products.