Fuji processing techniques ! help ! *PHOTOSHOP n LIGHTROOM*

[rwker]

i am fairly new to post processing techniques and quite haven't understood how to edit faces in portraits.

 

I believe frequency separation is the most common starting point to have beautiful faces,

And also dodge n burn is used to make a more dynamic look by brightening out light areas and darkening out dark areas.

But i have never achieved the look where the face complexion looks so crisp with visible pores. Something like this..

 

EXAMPLE : https://500px.com/photo/102954179/lisa-marie-by-julian-marochow

 

 

 

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

And this is my photo (XT1 18-55) So, where am i doing it wrong ?

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited July 6, 2016 by rwker

[Dook]

I think 56mm lens vs zoom is one of the factors. 56 is made for this kind of work (headshots). It is great specialized lens. If you look at her pictures taken with 35mm 0r 60mm, they just don't have that crisp look. Neither pictures with 90mm when whole body is in the frame. That lens is amazing when used properly.

It looks to me that you did a little bit heavier jpg processing (be it in camera or in post production) vs careful nondestructive RAW conversion.

Overall your picture is not bad.

Also, lighting. It needs to be more contrasty, coming from steep angle to accentuate texture (in this case pores).

I don't see a lot of D&B, some contrast is added in post, but it's mainly skillful lighting.

There is some toning down and a bit of desaturation, to make colors subtle.

I've never found frequency separation to make a big difference in overall results, like I've never seen this difference working 16Bit vs 8Bit files.But, it won't hurt either. after all, it's just an action to prepare an image for FS.

Also, her light is controlled vs yours not being. You tried, but it's not. You added a reflector, or an additional flash in front low. Front light won't accentuate pores and lower angle will give horror like appearance.

But, these are small details, your picture is good on it's own.

Edited July 6, 2016 by Dook

[rwker]

Yann Fauchier https://500px.com/yannf

 

He shoots mostly on his 90mm and he also has a subtle but crisp look to the skin textures.

 

 

https://500px.com/wb_photos

 

He also has his 90mm that outputs the same look i want (crisp visible pores)

 

 

James Brokensha  https://500px.com/jimbrokensha

James also constanly switch between his 6d and XT1 to achieve that look and it seems his 6d does a better work at it(due to it being FF ?)

 

 

So my options is to get a prime lens like the 56mm or the 90mm with the help of good lightning techniques.

 

 

NON FUJI SHOOTER Dani Diamond with his 85 1.4 is so good at using natural light that his post processing always comes out good. Maybe it is all about the lens. Time to invest on a prime lens i guess. =)

[mdm]

So my options is to get a prime lens like the 56mm or the 90mm with the help of good lightning techniques.

 

Before spending $$$ for these primes I would attend some master class. It's cheap, it's usefull, it's interesting and it will answer your questions.

Edited July 6, 2016 by mdm

[rwker]

Before spending $$$ for these primes I would attend some master class. It's cheap, it's usefull, it's interesting and it will answer your questions.

 

sorry but there are no master class in my area,

[Tom H.]

The difference was made when lighting your subject. Marochow is a master of soft light. Yours is taken in hard light and I see patches of hotspots all over the face. No amount of photoshop will get you what you need.

 

Learn lighting first. It will help you see natural light better too. Start with One Light 2.0 by Zack Arias. Best workshop I know and very cheap for what it is.