Adobe Photoshop CS6 Top 100 Simplified Tips and Tricks by Lynette Kent

24 22
The two blurred layers
are combined in a layer
group folder.
#
41
21
25
23
) Option+click (Alt+click)
the Layer Mask button
in the Layers panel.
A black-filled layer mask
is added to the layer
group and the
foreground color is set
to white.
q Click the Brush tool.
w Click the Brush Opacity
slider to 35%.
20
e Paint over the skin where it needs
softening.
r Click the Brush Preset drop-down
menu and reduce the brush size.
27
t Continue painting over smaller
areas to soften the skin.
Note: To maintain the sharpness of
the image, avoid painting over
edges.
26
The skin is softened as you paint
over the areas.
y Click and drag the Opacity for
the layer group to 0 and then
slowly drag it to the right until
the skin appears smoothed.
u Click the panel menu button and
select Flatten Image.
TIPS
More Options!
If you accidentally paint over areas
in the photo that should be sharp
edges, such as the nostrils or eyes,
in step 23, you can quickly revert
the areas by pressing X to reverse
the background and foreground
colors. Set the brush to 100%
opacity and paint with black over
the areas that should remain sharp.
Important!
You should apply the filter
delicately just where it is needed
and avoid any edges and areas that
should remain sharp, such as the
eyes, eyebrows, lips, nostrils, hair,
and edges of the nose and face.
Try This!
Whenever you need to adjust the
Opacity slider for a layer, try
moving it first completely to the
left to remove the effect, and then
slowly move it to the right until just
the right amount is applied.
Chapter 4: Retouch Portraits 95