Brightening the eyes

[JohnT]

Would a layer mask be the best way to brighten eyes in PS?

[erisian pope]

I always use adjustment layers (in the layers palette it's the icon that kinda looks like a yinyang) to do my editing. Those have a built-in mask that's set to all white but you can paint the mask to hide anything you don't want.

To brighten something I would probably do either a levels or a curves adjustment layer. And then maybe a second adjustment layer to do hue/saturation to make the colors pop a bit more.

EDIT: So my whole process would be (1) create curves adjustment layer then (2) adjust the curves until the eyes look right then (3) use the lasso to select the eyes then (5) invert the selection (6) click on the white mask next to the adjustment layer and floodfill it with black then (7) deselect and gaussian blur a little so the edges of my edit are softened.

[HotHolly]

There are several different ways you could do it. It depends on what they look like and what you are wanting to do. You could do a mask. Brightening older eyes is a little more than that - they tend to be less sparkely than kids and the whites aren't quite so white anymore. Show us what you do.

[jeffkohn]

A Hue/Sat adjustment layer with a mask is one way to go. Lower the saturation slider for reds a bit, and then bump the lightness slider for master. Then paint the effect in where you need it on the layer mask.

Whatever method you choose, moderation is key. I see a lot of portraits where the brightening/sharpening of the eyes is overdone and it just doesn't look natural.

[bondarnes]

I usually do the and eyes and teeth at the same time. Lasso tool and select teeth and the whites of the eyes. [cntrl J] to make an eyes & teeth layer, [cntrl U] brings up hue and saturation dialogue, [cntrl 1] for the red channel lighten and desaturate, [cntrl 2] for the yellow channel lighten and desaturate click OK. If you went too far drop the opacity of that layer back a bit. If you use a tablet it makes the lasso part really easy.

[my3peas]

I do a curves layer mask, invert the mask then paint in the eyes with a soft brush. Adjust opacity to my liking.

:)

[JohnT]

Thanks, everyone!

[haysfour]

I'm so glad I found this thread! Really great information, everyone.

[wondershots]

I kind of do what Don does. I select the whites of the eyes starting with the magic wand and then a quick mask to refine the selection. A ctl-j for a new layer for the eyes. Then I simply change the layer blend mode to screen and adjust the opacity until it looks right. Usually around 25%.

Gotta love Photoshop. Many ways to accomplish the same effect.

-Jim

[my3peas]

I also use a mask to sharpen the eyes.

Duplicate image.
Filter>Other>high pass. Adjust to my liking.
Create a mask for that layer, invert and paint it in (as with brightening).
Adjust opacity if needed.

"course, I'm still learning workflow, so I have know idea if this is correct or not :)

[AndrewCCM]

I typically just dodge the color of eye and sometime burn the edge to enhance the ring...All very subtly..