Frequency separation retouching

The power of frequency separation retouching 

Retouching is not a exact science, it’s an art form! Here is a brief overlook of the process of retouching skin textures and blemishes. Like anything in Photoshop, there are multiple ways to achieve the result but this is a simple executable for the experienced Photoshop user that works, as long as it is not overly done. Please view the following tutorial before continuing on.

Frequency Separation Retouching 

Using the frequency separation retouching in real life will elevate your work! A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of shooting the following corporate headshot for Evaero, Inc. CEO, Christian Frueh. The following is the before and after of the retouched versions.

Before addressing the blemishes and holding textures (Click image below to see larger size for detail):

After having made the adjustments noted in the tutorial (Click image below to see larger size for detail):

This has become my de facto process for my portraiture work. Try it out and let me know what you think!

—Stephen