How To: Smooth It Like a Baby's Butt

Jack quote of the day...in a very mature voice, "I won't listen to it. Whining doesn't make it happen.  You can't get everything in the whole wide world by whining!".   Aidan wasn't phased of course, but I can't help thinking that Jack was talking to me too...Hmmmm.

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So I just learned a new tool that is my new BFF. Any Lightroom users out there?  For those who are just beginning to use the Develop Module, I have a great tool for you.  It's the Soften Skin Effect.  Here is what it can do for your portraits:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Here's how it works:

1. Click the Adjustment Brush

2. Mask should be NEW

3. The Effect is normally set to Exposure.  Click the down arrow to see a full list of effects. 

4. Click Soften Skin

5.  I use the following settings: 

Contrast - 24

Clarity - 100

Sharpness +26 

6. I always want to see what I'm painting so I click the Show Selected Mask Overlay option (under photo in the middle - check the box).

7. Click the left mouse button while you "paint" over the skin.  The Mask Overlay will paint the skin red.

8. Once you have the area covered, deselect the Show Selected Mask Overlay to see your results! 

9. Adjust Contrast, Clarity and Sharpness until you get the look you desire.

If you have any questions or need help with this effect, comment below or shoot me an email at: tlsportraits@comcast.net.