Portrait pro

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Nick
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What do people think of this software ,thinking of this for a few photos nothing pro ,as this is half price atmo.
 
I've never tried any of these portrait programs, but my feeling is you're better off using Photoshop and learning how to do it properly, I'm no expert though.

I often use a free PS action from Sharkpixel explained with video here:

http://blog.photoshelter.com/2013/0...t-photography-using-a-photoshop-quick-action/

It will set up various layers with masks for split frequency skin smoothing, eye enhancements, contouring, etc. You can use it for a quick retouch or take your time and do it thoroughly. If that sounds complicated it's not, the video walks you through it. You can then take the principles it'll show you and do them yourself from scratch.

Its what I've used in the below along with some colour work, although the hair still needs finishing off.


Calumet Workshop 1.jpg
by TomStox, on Flickr



Calumet Workshop 2.jpg
by TomStox, on Flickr

pSVbJg
 
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My observation is that it is fine for viewing at a distance but it can make the skin look 'plastic' and unnatural.

If I can use Tom's examples he's posted and also on the Flickr page, the first looks edited, as does the second but to a lesser extent. On Tom's Flickr page, shot #4 - the hand looks like a prosthetic!

I agree with David @Pookeyhead in another thread (can't remember which one !!) that retouching of this type unless you are going for the obvious/unnatural should be done by yourself selectively and light touch and not in a global piece of software - all IMO of course :)
 
My observation is that it is fine for viewing at a distance but it can make the skin look 'plastic' and unnatural.

If I can use Tom's examples he's posted and also on the Flickr page, the first looks edited, as does the second but to a lesser extent. On Tom's Flickr page, shot #4 - the hand looks like a prosthetic!

I agree with David @Pookeyhead in another thread (can't remember which one !!) that retouching of this type unless you are going for the obvious/unnatural should be done by yourself selectively and light touch and not in a global piece of software - all IMO of course :)

It depends what you are aiming for. I'd never go as far as I have on those for anything other than for a fashion look, and I'm obviously stepping away from a realistic portrayal here. Clearly they look edited, as does pretty much every shot in any fashion mag or models profile...

My point is that doing it yourself means that you can go as far as you want hence my two examples I posted showing one more extreme and one toned down, however both showing skin detail, pores etc.

I'm not pretending I'm a retouching pro, just pointing out a resource where you can learn the basics without going through an automated program.
And yes the hand is weird despite my efforts, it was posed awkwardly, not sure that can be blamed on the retouch.
What do your portrait retouches look like?
 
It depends what you are aiming for. I'd never go as far as I have on those for anything other than for a fashion look, and I'm obviously stepping away from a realistic portrayal here. Clearly they look edited, as does pretty much every shot in any fashion mag or models profile...

My point is that doing it yourself means that you can go as far as you want hence my two examples I posted showing one more extreme and one toned down, however both showing skin detail, pores etc.

I'm not pretending I'm a retouching pro, just pointing out a resource where you can learn the basics without going through an automated program.
And yes the hand is weird despite my efforts, it was posed awkwardly, not sure that can be blamed on the retouch.
What do your portrait retouches look like?


All good points

On your last point, I'm not into portraiture other than to admired others work. I know I couldn't do as good a job so stick to landscapes - rocks and trees are more forgiving ;)
 
Portrait pro works well, the default setting is way too high, but dial it back it bit and it does a ecent job.
 
Try Imagenomic Portraiture - much better and you can save presets.
 
Also agree the default setting is far too high & you can also save presets on portrait pro.
 
I use it for quick edits , as mentioned the default settings are extreme and I tend to tweek them somewhat .
 
Im liking the look of this, software, not used it before, going to give it a try tonight for some quick edits when i dont have time
to sit in PS.

Thanks
A
 
What do people think of this software ,thinking of this for a few photos nothing pro ,as this is half price atmo.

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Andy
 
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had the trial, seemed ok so took the plunge tonight.

Think this will be a decent go-to quick editor. Going to set up my own presets and then may even upgrade for batch processing.

Thanks for the heads up A
 
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