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ChadPT18
Known Participant
January 27, 2019
Answered

Is frequency separation used as a substitute for dodge and burning skin?

  • January 27, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 522 views

Hello all,

Just here wondering if frequency separation is used as a substitute for dodge and burning skin.

Or are they instead, two techniques which are generally used collectively on a single image?

I am interested in what you experienced Photoshop informants know.

All additionals to the thread are appreciated

Thank you very much in advance!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Trevor.Dennis

I am a big fan of the Dodge and Burn tools, and use them in preference to overrated 'non-destructive' methods using 50% grey layers set to Overlay, and similar techniques.  The advantage with Dodge & Burn is that you can target tonal ranges (Shadows, Midtones and Highlights) which completely changes how they look.

I also don't use Frequency Separation, preferring instead, to use negative Clarity in the Camera RAW filter.  I was speaking to a wedding photographer recently, and he told me that Negative Clarity is the way a lot of wedding photographers go nowadays.

They are completely different functions of course.

[EDIT] No need to use the forum widget to upload images.  Just copy to the clipboard, and paste to the thread with Ctrl v (Cmd V).  I'd hate to need to save the image and upload with the widget with the number of screenshots we post every day.  We also use Greenshot to streamline the process.   I don't know if it comes in a Mac flavour

https://getgreenshot.org/

3 replies

Trevor.Dennis
Community Expert
Trevor.DennisCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
January 27, 2019

I am a big fan of the Dodge and Burn tools, and use them in preference to overrated 'non-destructive' methods using 50% grey layers set to Overlay, and similar techniques.  The advantage with Dodge & Burn is that you can target tonal ranges (Shadows, Midtones and Highlights) which completely changes how they look.

I also don't use Frequency Separation, preferring instead, to use negative Clarity in the Camera RAW filter.  I was speaking to a wedding photographer recently, and he told me that Negative Clarity is the way a lot of wedding photographers go nowadays.

They are completely different functions of course.

[EDIT] No need to use the forum widget to upload images.  Just copy to the clipboard, and paste to the thread with Ctrl v (Cmd V).  I'd hate to need to save the image and upload with the widget with the number of screenshots we post every day.  We also use Greenshot to streamline the process.   I don't know if it comes in a Mac flavour

https://getgreenshot.org/

    Norman Sanders
    Norman Sanders
    Legend
    January 27, 2019

    There is no single approach to adjusting flesh tones just as there is no single flesh tone color or lighting. And add to that the item of personal aesthetic preference.

    In addition to the tools you mentioned, sometimes applying Curves will be the solution, or a luminosity mask in conjunction with Curves would be appropriate -- and the source of that mask is not limited to your current Mode setting.

    Moreover, reducing or eliminating freckles, deep age lines, five o'clock shadow or adjusting skin texture would benefit from other techniques.  If you are dealing with a particular image and are having difficulty, post the file here and one (or more) of us will offer practical advice.

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 27, 2019

    Frequency separation lets you separate out the fine detail from the general colour and shading. That way you can dodge and burn on the low frequency layer and correct fine defects on the high frequency layer.

    Dave

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