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7 Common Retouching Mistakes

7 Common Retouching Mistakes

Do you feel frustrated by the mistakes you make when retouching your photos? Do you want to improve your skills and create better images? As a professional Photoshop retoucher with years of experience, I've identified seven common mistakes to avoid when using the Dodge and Burn technique in Adobe Photoshop. By following these tips, you can achieve natural and flawless results every time.


Mistake #1: Overdoing the Dodge and Burn Effect

One of the most common mistakes people make when editing their images is overdoing it with the Dodge and Burn tool. When you work too closely on an image, it's easy to lose perspective and apply too much correction. To avoid this, work on the photo from a distance and zoom in as needed to monitor your progress.


Mistake #2: Relying on Basic Photoshop Tools

Another common mistake is relying solely on Photoshop's basic tools for retouching. While these tools can be useful for beginners, they can have a negative impact on colors and tones when used directly on the image. To achieve a natural-looking outcome, use manually built adjustment layers for lightening and darkening the areas you want to fix.


Mistake #3: Using Only One Tool

A typical mistake is using only one tool to fix discrepancies in light and dark areas. If you only use the brightening or darkening layers, your image may look flat and lack dynamic tones. To avoid this, use both the Dodge and Burn tools sparingly to create a balanced and natural-looking image.

Mistake #4: Having an excessively large or lengthy workflow

A common mistake is to have an overly large or lengthy workflow as a retoucher, which can lead to eye fatigue and impaired judgment, resulting in unnatural-looking effects. To avoid this, take breaks during the retouching process and rest your eyes to maintain natural-looking effects.


Mistake #5: Failure to Use "Help" Layers

Not using "Help" layers is another mistake that can lead to missing skin imperfections and losing detail in the image. A black and white layer is recommended to temporarily remove colors from the image and focus on the retouching process. Use assistance layers to identify issues and guide the retouching process.


Mistake #6: Excessive Imagery

Over-contouring and undesirable outcomes can result from overworking the photo. Good results can be achieved with minimal effort on the predetermined parts of the image. To avoid this mistake, focus on enhancing the necessary regions of the image and resist the urge to overwork it.


Mistake #7: Using a Mouse Instead of a Tablet

Using a mouse instead of a tablet when using the Dodge and Burn technique is a mistake as it can result in wide-range movements instead of the precise little motions needed. Investing in a tablet can make the process easier, reduce hand fatigue and damage, and result in better precision during the retouching process.


In conclusion, if you want to step up your Photoshop retouching game and create top-notch images, you need to avoid these common mistakes. As a professional retoucher, I've seen these mistakes time and time again, and they can ruin an otherwise great image. So, use a professional workflow, take advantage of advanced techniques, and invest in the right hardware, like a tablet. Make sure to take breaks, use assistance layers, and resist the urge to overwork the image. And don't forget to dodge and burn in moderation! By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning images in no time.

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SARASOTA

4283 Express Lane

Suite 7077-283

Sarasota, FL 34249

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION

Stay updated on the latest trends in retouching, image editing, and photography

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