Skin Retouching Photoshop Tutorial: Enhancing Ecommerce Photos

 You will learn how to use various tools and techniques in Photoshop to retouch and enhance the skin of a model in ecommerce photos. The tutorial will guide you through the step-by-step process, ensuring that you achieve professional-looking results. You will begin by opening the photo in Photoshop and creating a duplicate layer to work on. Then, using the Spot Healing Brush tool or the Healing Brush tool, you will remove any blemishes, spots, or imperfections on the model's skin. Next, you will use the Clone Stamp tool or the Patch tool to fix any other areas of the skin that require further retouching, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or uneven skin texture. The tutorial will provide tips on how to maintain a natural look while retouching.

To enhance the overall skin tone and texture, you will utilize adjustment layers like Curves, Hue/Saturation, and Color Balance. These adjustment layers will allow you to fine-tune the skin color, reduce redness or discoloration, and improve the overall lighting and contrast of the image.

Finally, the tutorial will cover techniques to sharpen the image and add a subtle softening effect to create a polished look. You will also learn how to save the retouched photo in the appropriate format for web use or ecommerce platforms. Practice and experimentation are key in mastering skin retouching techniques. With this tutorial as a starting point, you can continue to refine your skills and develop your own unique style of retouching ecommerce photos.

How to fix blemishes in Photoshop

To fix blemishes in Photoshop, follow these steps:

 1. Open the image in Photoshop.

2. Duplicate the background layer by right-clicking on it and selecting "Duplicate Layer". This will serve as a backup.

3. Select the "Spot Healing Brush Tool" from the toolbar or press "J" on your keyboard.

4. Adjust the brush size according to the size of the blemish you want to fix. You can do this by adjusting the brush size slider at the top toolbar or by using the "[" and "]" keys on your keyboard to decrease or increase the brush size.

5. With the Spot Healing Brush Tool selected, simply click and brush over the blemish. Photoshop will automatically sample nearby pixels and blend them in to fix the blemish.

6. If the results are not satisfactory, you can try using the "Clone Stamp Tool" instead. Press "S" to select it from the toolbar.

7. Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac) on an area near the blemish that has the desired texture and color.  

8. Click and brush over the blemish to clone the sampled pixels onto it, covering up the blemish.

9. Continue brushing and sampling from different areas as needed until the blemish is completely fixed.

10. Remember to regularly zoom out and evaluate the overall effect to ensure a natural and seamless result.

11. Once satisfied, save your image.

Step 1: Set up your layers

To set up the layers for skin retouching in Photoshop, follow these steps:

  1. Open your image in Photoshop.

2. Duplicate the Background layer by right-clicking on it in the Layers panel and selecting "Duplicate Layer." This provides a non-destructive working copy of the original image.

3. Rename the duplicated layer to "Retouch" or any name you find appropriate.

4. Add a layer mask to the "Retouch" layer by clicking on the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. Alternatively, you can go to Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All. This will add a white layer mask to the layer.

5. Select the Brush tool (shortcut key: B) from the toolbar.

6. Choose a soft-edged brush with a low opacity (around 20-30%).

7. Set your foreground color to black. You can do this by pressing the letter D on your keyboard and then the letter X to swap the foreground and background colors. Black will hide the retouching, allowing you to selectively reveal it.

8. Zoom in to the skin areas that you want to retouch.

9. Begin painting over the blemishes, acne, spots, or any imperfections on the skin with the black brush. As you paint, the areas will be hidden by the layer mask, revealing the retouched skin below.

10. If you make a mistake or want to bring back any areas you've hidden, change your foreground color to white and paint over those areas. White reveals the retouched skin.

11. Repeat these steps to continue retouching the skin until you achieve the desired result.

12. You can create additional adjustment layers like Curves, Levels, or Hue/Saturation above the "Retouch" layer if you need to make global adjustments to the image's tones or colors.

 

 Step 2: Select color range

The appropriate color range for retouching depends on the specific needs and goals of your photo.

 

Here are a few general tips:

 

Assess the photo: Examine the existing color range and identify any issues that need correction or enhancement. Determine whether you need to adjust specific colors or the overall color balance.

 

Maintain realism: When retouching photos, it's crucial to ensure that the colors still look natural and realistic. Avoid going to extreme ends of the color spectrum, unless it aligns with your creative vision for the image.

 

Consider the subject: Take into account the type of photo and the subject matter. Different color ranges work well for various genres like portraits, landscapes, or product photography. Ensure that the chosen color range complements the subject and the intended mood.

 

Experiment and compare: Don't limit yourself to a single color range. Try out different adjustments, compare them, and assess which one best achieves your desired outcome.

 

While these suggestions can be helpful, for more specific advice, it may be beneficial to consult a professional photo retoucher or utilize specialized image editing software.

Step 3: Feather the selection

To feather a selection for photo retouching, you can follow these steps using image editing software like Adobe Photoshop:

 

1. Open the image in your preferred editing software.

2. Use the selection tool (such as the marquee selection or lasso tool) to create a selection around the area you want to retouch.

3. Once the selection is made, go to the "Select" menu and choose "Modify."

4. In the "Modify" sub-menu, select "Feather" (alternatively, you may find "Radius" or "Softness" which achieve similar results).

5. In the feather dialog box, specify the feather radius or degree. A higher value will create a softer, more gradual transition between the selection and the surrounding pixels.

6. Preview the selection to ensure the desired feathering effect.

7. Proceed with retouching or editing operations within the selected area, knowing that the edges will have a smoother, blended transition.

 

Remember to experiment with different feathering values to achieve the desired result. Adjusting the feathering can help create more natural, seamless retouching results by avoiding harsh transitions between edited and unedited areas.

Step 4: Adjust hue of selection

To adjust the hue of a selection in photo retouching, you can follow these steps using most image editing software:

 

1. Open the image in your preferred photo editing software.

2. Use the appropriate selection tool (e.g., lasso tool, marquee tool, or magic wand tool) to select the area where you want to adjust the hue.

3. Once the selection is made, go to the "Image" or "Adjustments" menu and look for an option like "Hue/Saturation" or "Color Balance."

4. In the dialogue box that appears, you will find sliders or input fields to adjust the hue. Move the sliders or manually input the desired hue value to make the adjustment.

5. Preview the changes and make any additional fine-tuning if needed.

6. Apply the adjustment and save the edited image under a new filename to preserve the original.

 

Keep in mind that the specific steps may vary slightly depending on the software you are using, but these general instructions should be applicable in most cases.

How to smooth skin and edges in Photoshop

To smooth skin and edges in Photoshop, you can follow these steps:

 

1. Open the image you want to edit in Photoshop.

2. Duplicate the background layer by right-clicking the layer and selecting "Duplicate Layer." This step is to ensure that you have a backup of the original image.

3. Select the Duplicate Layer and apply a blur filter to smooth the skin. Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Adjust the radius until you achieve the desired level of skin smoothing. Be careful not to overdo it, as excessive blurring can result in an unrealistic appearance.

4. Create a layer mask by clicking on the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

5. With the layer mask selected, use a soft brush with black as the foreground color to paint over the areas where you want to preserve fine details, such as eyes, lips, and hair. This will prevent those areas from being blurred.

6. To smooth out edges or refine the selection, you can use tools like the Brush Tool, Clone Stamp Tool, or Healing Brush Tool. These tools allow you to blend the edges and make them appear more natural.

7. If you want to further enhance the smoothness, you can use additional tools like the Spot Healing Brush or the Patch Tool to remove blemishes or imperfections on the skin.

8. Remember to periodically zoom out and check the overall effect to ensure that the smoothing looks natural and not overly edited.

9. Once you are satisfied with the result, save your edited image as a new file to preserve the original.

 

Remember that these steps provide a basic guideline, and the specific techniques you use may vary depending on the image and your desired outcome. Experimenting and practicing with different tools and settings will help you refine your skills in skin and edge smoothing in Photoshop.

Step 1: Create a new layer

To smooth skin and edges in Photoshop, you can follow these steps:

 

1. Open your image in Photoshop.

2. Create a new layer by clicking on the "New Layer" icon at the bottom of the Layers panel or by going to Layer > New > Layer.

3. Make sure the new layer is selected in the Layers panel.

4. Choose the "Brush" tool from the toolbar on the left side of the screen.

5. In the options bar at the top, set the brush size to be appropriate for the area you want to smooth. You can adjust the brush size using the slider or by typing in a specific value.

6. Make sure the brush hardness is set to a low value (around 0-20%) for a softer effect.

7. on the new layer, paint over the areas you want to smooth, such as the skin or edges. Use gentle brush strokes to avoid making it look unnatural.

8. If needed, adjust the opacity of the new layer to make the effect more subtle. You can do this by lowering the opacity value in the Layers panel.

9. If you only want to smooth specific areas, you can create a layer mask on the newly created layer and paint on the mask using black or white to reveal or hide parts of the effect respectively.

10. Once you're satisfied with the result, you can save your image.

 

Remember, it's always a good practice to create a new layer for any image editing you do in Photoshop, as it allows you to make non-destructive changes and easily fine-tune them if necessary.

Fix the big stuff

Our smooth retouching service offers professional and seamless enhancements to your photographs, ensuring a flawless final result. Our team of skilled retouchers specializes in fixing the big stuff to deliver exceptional quality.

Here are the key features of our smooth retouching service:

SkinSmoothing: We employ advanced techniques to smooth out imperfections, such as blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Our retouchers ensure a natural-looking result while maintaining the integrity and texture of the skin.

Complexion Enhancement: We are skilled in improving overall complexion. Our retouchers can reduce redness, brighten dull skin, and even out discolorations, giving you a radiant and healthy appearance.

 

Eye Enhancements: We pay attention to every detail, including enhancing the eyes. We can brighten and sharpen the eyes, remove red-eye, and even modify the eye color if desired, making your eyes captivating and vibrant.

 

Teeth Whitening: A bright smile can significantly enhance an image. Our retouchers can whiten teeth, removing stains or discoloration, to give you a picture-perfect smile.

 

Hair Retouching: We take care of flyaways, frizz, or any distraction caused by the hair. Our retouchers can smooth and polish the hair's appearance for a more professional and refined look.

 

Background Cleanup: If your image has any distractions in the background, we can clean it up, removing unwanted objects or elements, ensuring the focus remains on you or the subject.

 

Overall Enhancement: Our retouchers possess a keen eye for detail. They can adjust exposure, contrast, colors, and other parameters to enhance the overall appearance of your image while maintaining a natural and balanced look.

 

Customization: We understand that every client has unique requirements. Our smooth retouching service is flexible, allowing you to communicate specific instructions or preferences. Our expert retouchers will tailor the editing process to meet your needs effectively.

 

With our smooth retouching service, you can transform your photographs into stunning visuals, ready to be shared or published. Experience the magic of our professional retouching and let your images leave a lasting impression.

Step 3: Smooth out fine lines and details

If you're looking for a smooth and professional photo retouching service to enhance your images, I can help guide you through the process. There are several software tools available that can assist with smoothing out fine lines and details in your photos. Some popular options include Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and various online retouching services. Here's a step-by-step approach to achieving smooth photo retouching:

 

Choose the appropriate software: Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom offer advanced retouching tools, while online retouching services may provide quick and automated solutions.

 

Import your photo: Open your photo in your preferred software by either dragging and dropping it into the workspace or using the software's import function.

 

Duplicate the layer: Create a duplicate layer of your photo to work non-destructively. This allows you to make changes without affecting the original image. Most retouching software provides options to duplicate layers.

 

Zoom in and analyze: Zoom in on the areas with fine lines and details that you want to smooth out. This will help you better understand which retouching tools to use and how to apply them effectively.

 

Use the clone stamp or healing brush tool: Both tools are commonly used for small-scale retouching in Photoshop and other editing software. The clone stamp tool duplicates one area and paints it over another, while the healing brush tool blends the pixels from the surrounding area with the selected area.

 

Utilize frequency separation: In more advanced retouching, you can use frequency separation techniques to separate the high-frequency textures (fine lines, details) from the low-frequency tones (color, light/shadow). This allows for more targeted retouching of the fine lines.

 

Apply selective blurring or smoothing: Use tools like the blur brush or the surface blur filter to gently blur and smooth out the fine lines and details on a separate layer. Adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect while maintaining a natural look.

 

Dodge and burn: Use dodging and burning techniques to selectively lighten or darken specific areas. This can be particularly effective for subtly reducing the appearance of fine lines.

 

Review and refine: After making your adjustments, zoom out and evaluate the overall result. Make any additional tweaks to achieve the desired level of smoothness.

 

Save and export: Once you're satisfied with the retouching, save your edited image in an appropriate format. If needed, you can also convert it to a web-friendly format for online use.

 

Remember that practice and experimentation are important in mastering retouching skills. Each software may offer different tools and techniques, so exploring tutorials and online resources specific to your chosen software can provide further guidance.  

How to refine lines in Photoshop

To refine lines in Photoshop for photo retouching, you can use various tools and techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide:

 

1. Open your image in Photoshop.

2. Zoom in to get a better view of the lines you want to refine.

3. Select the Pen Tool (P) from the toolbar. Using this tool, carefully trace along the lines you want to refine. Be precise and create anchor points to create a smooth path.

4. Once you have completed tracing the lines, right-click on the path and choose "Make Selection." This will make a selection based on the path you created.

5. In the top menu, go to Select → Modify → Feather. Enter a small pixel value (e.g., 1-3 pixels) to soften the edges of the selection. This helps to blend the refined lines with the rest of the image later.

6. Click OK, and your selection will now have a feathered edge.

7. Create a new layer by clicking on the "New Layer" button in the Layers panel. This will ensure any changes you make will be on a separate layer, preserving the original image.

8. Choose the Brush Tool (B) from the toolbar and select a brush with a size suitable for your lines. You may need to experiment to find the right brush.

9. Set the brush opacity to a lower value, such as 30%-50%, to allow for gradual refinement.

10. Paint over the refined lines using the brush. You can make multiple strokes to build up the refinement gradually.

11. Adjust the brush size, opacity, and flow as needed to achieve the desired result.

12. If necessary, you can use the Eraser Tool (E) with a soft brush to remove any unwanted refinement or blending.

13. Continue refining and adjusting until you are satisfied with the result.

14. Save your image when you're done.

 

Remember to practice and experiment with different tools and settings to achieve the best results.

Step 1: Prepare your layers

To prepare your layers for refining lines in Photoshop, you can follow these steps:

 

1. Open your image in Photoshop.

2. Duplicate the layer: Right-click on the background layer and select "Duplicate Layer." This will create a copy of the layer to work on, leaving the original layer intact.

3. Select the layer copy: Click on the duplicated layer to select it.

4. Apply a smart filter for non-destructive editing: Go to the "Filter" menu, choose "Convert for Smart Filters," and click "OK." This will allow you to make changes to the filter settings later without permanently altering the image.

5. Apply the "Gaussian Blur" filter: From the "Filter" menu, choose "Blur" and then "Gaussian Blur." Adjust the radius of the blur to your liking. This step helps soften the lines and make them easier to refine.

6. Add a layer mask: Click on the layer mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel (it looks like a square with a circle inside). This will create a white layer mask attached to the selected layer.

7. Paint with black on the layer mask: Select the Brush tool (shortcut B), choose a soft brush, set the foreground color to black (#000000), and paint over the areas where you want to refine the lines. This will hide the blurred layer in those areas, revealing the original lines underneath.

8. Refine the lines: You can use various tools like the Brush tool, Eraser tool, or even selection tools (like the Pen tool or Lasso tool) combined with layer masks to refine the lines further. Experiment with these tools to achieve the desired result.

9. Fine-tune the layer settings: You can adjust the opacity and blending modes of the refined layer to blend it more naturally with the rest of the image.

10. Save your work: Once you are satisfied with the refined lines, save your image in a suitable format.

 

Remember, it's always a good practice to work with a copy of your original image and use non-destructive editing techniques like smart filters and layer masks to preserve flexibility in your workflow.

Step 1: Prepare your layers

To prepare your layers for skin retouching in Photoshop, follow these steps:

 

1. Open your image in Photoshop.

2. Duplicate the Background layer by right-clicking on it in the Layers panel and selecting "Duplicate Layer." This will create a copy of the original image to work on while preserving the original as a backup.

3. Rename the duplicated layer to something like "Retouching" or "Skin Retouch."

4. Apply any necessary global adjustments to the image before retouching, such as exposure or color corrections. This step will help enhance the overall appearance of the image before focusing on skin-specific retouching.

5. Create a new layer above the "Retouching" layer by clicking on the "New Layer" button at the bottom of the Layers panel.

6. Set the blending mode of this new layer to "Soft Light" or "Overlay." This blending mode will allow you to add subtle retouching without affecting the underlying image too harshly.

7. Use the Healing Brush, Clone Stamp, or Spot Healing Brush tools to remove any blemishes, spots, or imperfections on the skin. Make sure to sample nearby areas that have similar texture and tone for a more natural-looking result.

8. Create another new layer above the previous layer and set its blending mode to "Overlay." Use a soft brush with a low opacity to gently paint over areas that could benefit from additional softening or smoothing, such as fine lines or wrinkles.

9. If needed, create additional layers for specific retouching tasks like brightening the eyes or whitening the teeth. Set their blending modes and opacity accordingly to achieve the desired effect.

10. Make sure to zoom in and out of your image frequently to assess your progress and ensure that the retouching looks natural and consistent.

11. Save your finished retouched image as a new file to preserve the original, untouched version.

 

Remember, it's important to exercise moderation when retouching skin and to maintain a realistic and natural appearance.

Step 2: Apply blur

To apply blur for smooth retouching service, you can use various photo editing software or applications such as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Snapseed. These tools offer features to apply blur in a controlled manner. Here are the general steps to apply blur using these software:

 

1. Open the image you want to retouch in the photo editing software of your choice.

2. Duplicate the image layer to preserve the original image.

3. Select the layer you wish to apply the blur effect to.

4. In the software's menu or toolbar, locate the "Blur" or "Filter" options.

5. Choose the type of blur effect you prefer, such as Gaussian blur, Lens blur, or Motion blur.  

6. Adjust the blur strength or radius to achieve the desired level of smoothness.

7. Apply the blur filter and preview the result.

8. If necessary, you can use layer masks or selection tools to selectively apply or remove the blur from specific areas.

9. Once you are satisfied with the retouching, save the edited image.

 

Remember, it's always a good practice to work on a duplicate layer or make a backup of your original image to ensure you can revert or make further modifications if needed.

Step 3: Apply texture

To apply texture to refine lines in Photoshop, you can follow these steps:

 

1. Open your image or create a new canvas in Photoshop.

 

2. Create a new layer above your image layer by selecting Layer > New > Layer from the menu, or by using the shortcut Shift+Ctrl+N (Windows) or Shift+Command+N (Mac).

 

3. Fill the new layer with the desired texture by selecting Edit > Fill from the menu or by using the shortcut Shift+F5. In the Fill dialog box, choose "Pattern" from the Contents dropdown menu, and then select a texture from the predefined patterns or load your own texture.

 

4. Adjust the opacity of the texture layer to control its visibility. You can find the opacity slider in the Layers panel.

 

5. Resize and position the texture layer as needed using the transform tools. Press Ctrl+T (Windows) or Command+T (Mac) to activate the transform controls. You can scale, rotate, or move the texture layer to align it with your refine lines.

 

6. You can also experiment with blend modes and layer styles to further refine the appearance of the texture layer. Blend modes control how the texture interacts with the layers beneath it, while layer styles can add effects like drop shadows or bevels. These options can be found in the Layers panel.

 

Remember, depending on your specific image and texture, you might need to adjust the opacity, blending mode, and other settings to achieve the desired result. Feel free to experiment with different options and settings until you achieve the desired texture for your refine lines.

Step 4: Mask out details

Here's a general step-by-step process:

Open your image in Photoshop.

Duplicate the image layer to work non-destructively.

Zoom in to the area you want to mask out for retouching.

Select the Pen Tool (or any selection tool of your choice) from the toolbar.

Carefully trace around the details you want to remove or retouch. Be precise!

Once you complete the selection, right-click on it, and choose "Make Selection" from the context menu.

Create a new layer mask by clicking on the "Add layer mask" button at the bottom of the Layers panel.

With the layer mask selected, use a soft-edged brush with black color to paint over the details you want to mask out. This will hide those areas.

If needed, you can adjust the opacity of the brush to partially mask out certain parts.

Continue refining the mask until you are satisfied with the result.

Remember, this is just a general guide. The specific steps might vary depending on your requirements and the software version you are using.

Step 5: Make any adjustments to Blur layer

When using a blur layer for retouching, you can consider the following adjustments:

 

Opacity: Adjust the opacity of the blur layer to control the strength of the blur effect. Lower opacity will result in a more subtle effect, while higher opacity will make the blur more prominent.

 

Feathering: Feathering the edges of the blur layer can help create a smoother transition between the blurred and non-blurred areas, giving a more natural look.

 

Refine the selection: Double-check the selection or mask used for applying the blur. Refining the selection can improve the accuracy of the blur layer and prevent unwanted blurring in certain areas.

 

Mask adjustments: By painting on the blur layer's mask, you can selectively control where the blur effect is applied. Use a black brush to paint on the mask and reveal the original image in specific areas.

 

Gaussian Blur settings: If you are using Gaussian Blur for the blur layer, you can adjust the radius or intensity of the blur effect. Higher values will result in a more noticeable blur, while lower values will produce a softer effect.

 

Remember to always work on a duplicate layer or non-destructively by using adjustment layers, as it allows for easy modification without permanently altering the original image.

How to make faces thinner (or wider) in Photoshop

To make faces thinner or wider in Photoshop, you can use the Liquify tool. Here's a step-by-step description:

 

1. Open the image in Photoshop and make a duplicate layer of the original image by selecting Layer > Duplicate Layer (Ctrl+J / Command+J).

 

2. Select the duplicated layer and go to Filter > Liquify. The Liquify dialog box will open.

 

3. In the Liquify dialog box, select the "Forward Warp" tool. Adjust the brush size according to the area you want to modify. A larger brush size will cover more area, while a smaller brush size will be more precise.

 

4. To make the face thinner, click and drag the brush inward along the cheeks and jawline. Be careful not to overdo it, as excessive modifications may distort the image.

 

5. To make the face wider, click and drag the brush outward along the cheeks and jawline.

 

6. You can also use other tools like "Pucker" to reduce specific areas or "Bloat" to enlarge certain areas if needed. However, use them sparingly to maintain a natural appearance.

 

7. Once you're satisfied with the changes, click "OK" to apply the Liquify modifications.

 

8. Don't forget to save your changes by selecting File > Save (Ctrl+S / Command+S) or Save As if you prefer a different file name.

 

Remember, it's essential to use these editing techniques responsibly and with the subject's consent. Beauty standards vary, and it's important to respect individual appearances.

Step 1: Set up your new layer

Here's a general outline:

 

Determine your target market and services: Decide on the specific types of retouching services you want to offer, such as portrait retouching, product retouching, or landscape retouching.

 

Acquire necessary software and tools: Invest in photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, which are commonly used in the industry. Familiarize yourself with the software and its retouching capabilities. Additionally, ensure you have a computer with sufficient processing power and a high-resolution monitor to accurately edit and view images.

 

Set up a workspace: Create a dedicated area for your photo retouching work, preferably in a quiet environment with proper lighting conditions. This will help you focus on your tasks and ensure accurate color representation.

 

Develop a portfolio: Build a portfolio of retouched images that showcase your skills and expertise. This will help attract potential clients and demonstrate your ability to enhance photographs.

 

Market your services: Create a website or online platform where potential clients can find information about your services, view your portfolio, and contact you. Utilize social media platforms and online advertising to reach a wider audience. Consider networking with photographers, studios, or businesses that may require photo retouching services.

 

Communicate with clients: Establish clear communication channels to understand clients' requirements and preferences. Develop a streamlined workflow for receiving and delivering images securely.

 

Remember that the success of a photo retouching service depends on the quality of your work, attention to detail, and the ability to meet client expectations. Regularly update your skills and stay updated with the latest trends in photo retouching techniques.

Step 2: Darken specific areas

To darken specific areas in a photo, you can use a photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. Here's a general step-by-step guide:

 

Open the photo you want to retouch in your preferred photo editing software.

Select the tool that allows you to make adjustments to specific areas, such as the Brush tool or the Selection tool.

Choose a dark color or adjust the brightness/contrast settings to achieve the desired darkness level.

Use the selected tool to apply the dark color or adjust the brightness/contrast settings to the specific areas you want to darken.

If necessary, adjust the opacity or blending mode of the applied dark color to make it blend naturally with the photo.

 

Once you're satisfied with the results, save the retouched photo as a new file to preserve the original.

 Step 3: Lighten specific areas

One approach is to use photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. Here's a step-by-step process:

Open the photo in your preferred editing software. Duplicate the background layer to work non-destructively. Select the area you want to lighten using selection tools like the lasso or the brush tool. Once the area is selected, create a new adjustment layer specific to brightness or exposure.

Adjust the settings of the adjustment layer to lighten the selected area to your desired level.

Fine-tune the adjustment by playing with the layer mask or opacity if necessary.

Review the changes and make any additional adjustments if required.

Finally, save the edited photo under a new file name to preserve the original.