Fast Way to Softer Skin via Lightroom 2

[DivotDan]

Wrote a little blog post that I thought I would share with you guys. This is the quick and dirty method. There are some even better options in lightroom if you have more time to mask and such, but this is the "bang it out" method.

I'd like to know your thoughts.

http://www.danedwardsphoto.com/2009/06/28/fast-way-to-softer-skin-via-lightroom-2/

 

[2 in the can]

Thanks for the tip, I'll have to give it a try.

 

[DivotDan]

NP. The more advanced way is to mask with the brush tool and apply the negative Clarity adjustment to only the areas of skin. That way the eyes, hair, and clothing stay tack sharp. This takes a little more time, and most people don't notice the difference in those areas.

A lot of times I will apply the total negative clarity adjustment as described on the blog, and then only mask the eyes and reverse the original effect on just the eyes by applying a positive clarity adjustment. A little faster than masking only the area you want to soften.

 

[egproductions]

Dan, I often do a method of this in photoshop using noise reduction and masking out the areas I want smoother. Now with Camera Raw for CS4 I can use the clarity slider and export two images as you describe. It's nice to have a smooth textured image that is still sharp.