How to Smooth Skin Without Losing Texture in Photoshop

Step 1
First, open your image and duplicate your background layer. Simply drag the layer onto the new layer icon in the bottom right of the layer palette. Now set the blending mode of this newly created layer to "Vivid Light."



Step 2
Now, let’s invert this layer. Do this by pressing Cmd + I or Image > Adjustments > Invert. Then, apply a Gaussian Blur by selecting Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Applying a blur filter to an inverted picture will make it look shaper. Use the slider until you can see the pores on her face.

Step 3
Now let smooth the skin! Go to Filter > Other >High Pass. Move the slider until you are happy with the smoothing. You may notice some ghosting and other weird stuff around the eyes – just ignore it for now. Concentrate on the cheeks, forehead and nose.

Step 4
Almost done! Create a new mask for the layer and fill it with black to hide the image. Switch your color to white, select the mask and start drawing on the skin with a soft brush. Start at the cheeks, move over to the forehead, the nose and stop on the chin. If the effect is too strong for your liking, just lover the opacity of the brush and you’re good to go!

Final Image
We're finished! I hope that you learned a few new techniques here. If you have a different approach, let me know in the comments!

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The advantages and weaknesses of the system DSLR cameras: Canon, Nikon

Many are asking what the advantages and disadvantages of a digital SLR camera system. In general, all DSLR cameras is almost the same: a large sensor, has the function of manual and digital. What distinguishes usually is a feature and a collection of lenses and accessories.
t’s hard to say which system is best because each has advantages and disadvantages. In addition, each model are different and have their own advantages, disadvantages, too.
According to my observations during this last two-three, I will briefly review some of the uniqueness of the popular DSLR camera system.

1. CANON EOS 550 DSLR Cameras
Canon: One of the DSLR camera system of the most popular cameras in the world. Canon lens has a complete collection of low-quality to high. The camera is also a full-camera for beginners to very advanced for upscale professionals.

I love the camera-Canon brand camera beginner compared to other brands such as Canon 1000D camera beginners, 500D and 550D I think it is easy to use, the interface and menus are also very neat and well-organized. Lack of beginner Canon camera that is material is rather cheap and not so good grip.
The last two years, more focus in the development of Canon DSLR cameras that can record video clips. Until recently, almost all Canon DSLR cameras surpass its competitors in the affairs of the video recording. the photos EOS 550 DSLR

 

2. NIKON DSLR Cameras
Nikon: Same as Canon, Nikon system can be spelled quite complete. Many high-quality Nikon lenses and more expensive than Canon. I like Nikon cameras particularly sophisticated (D300s, D700, D3) because the auto focus works very well, probably the best compared to other brands. Control of noise at high ISO is also a class above other brands, making it suitable to be used for photos in a dark room conditions.
Unlike the Canon, I do not much like a beginner camera Nikon (D40, D60, D3000, D3100) for inter-face I think is not good. For example the menu structure is less tidy and also the buttons available to access the less frequently used settings. In addition, beginners Nikon camera has no auto focus motor so that for some long lens, can not use auto focus (manual only). the photos
NIKON DSLR

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Best DSLR for beginners: 6 tested

The entry-level DSLR market has always been one of the most hotly contested, which is great news for all of us on a tight budget. As manufacturers continually try to outdo each other, cheaper DSLRs have improved in specification and advanced features over the last few years.

The latest round of models offer superb image quality and great versatility, but that's not all.

Simplicity is a key factor in entry-level DSLRs. They need to keep things easy so that anybody launching into photography for the first time, or upgrading from a compact camera, can get good results without lots of technical knowledge and experience. As such, you can expect fully automatic shooting options and scene modes aplenty, so you can easily tailor camera settings to the picture opportunity at hand.

Naturally, as you grow in knowledge and expertise, you'll want more creative control. A good entry-level camera should therefore also be able to grow with you, making manual adjustments easy to get at and quick to use.

Better still, they should give you as much help as possible along the way, with intuitive interfaces that guide you towards greater proficiency.

Budget cameras aren't just for beginners, though. If you have a mid-range DSLR that's a few years old, the latest entry-level models may well outstrip it in terms of image quality. Chances are you'll get higher sensor resolution along with lower image noise at high ISO sensitivity settings.

New cameras often fare better at controlling dynamic range too, so you'll get better shadow detail with less risk of blown highlights. Extra features usually include live view for composing shots on the camera's LCD, plus widescreen video capture at either 720p or Full HD 1080p.

If you're upgrading from an old camera, you probably won't need a host of beginner-orientated features. With the possibility you have generous friends and family, or you just owe yourself a treat, we've included a couple of slightly more sophisticated cameras in the group.

These are the Canon EOS 600D and the Nikon D5100, both of which offer advanced features while still being budget-friendly. 

Canon EOS 600D

 Nikon D5100

 

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5 Model Photography Tips For Beginners

Photographing an immobile object is hard enough as it is, so what happens when you need to work with a model as a subject? If you happen to work with a professional and very experienced model, than you’re in luck and have half the work done for you. But if you and the model are both a bit inexperienced, then here are some tips that can help you both produce a great photograph.

1.) Come prepared and build rapport
First and most important, don’t be late to the photo shoot. Make sure you arrive at the photo shoot with the right equipment and have all that set up before the model arrives. Let the model know beforehand on your art direction so he/she can practice some expressions and poses.

You might like to also advise the model on things like:
- Clothes and accessories
- Hair and make up
- Piercings and tattoos

If time permits, try to establish a good rapport with the model by having a casual one-on-one conversation. Go into the shoot where both of you are relaxed and in a positive mood.

2.) Have an ambient setting
Acknowledge what kind of environment the model is comfortable working in. Things to consider are music, lighting, privacy, distractions and temperature. A lot of these things are sometimes out of your control per theme of shoot, but it’s the tiny things you take into account of that can make the model feel at ease.

3.) Communicate frequently
Don’t just be silent at the photo shoot, be involved by letting the model know what you’re looking for. Vague comments like, “Just move around and I’ll take photos” or “Do whatever you want” can actually frustrate the model. The key is to get across your art direction, even show picture examples from magazines or websites on what you’re looking for.

In addition to providing feedback, also be open to receive critiques from the model. Ask the model for his/her opinion, they might have worked with a photographer before and have some insightful tips and tricks to share.

4.) Keep moving and be active
Don’t just stand there snapping away. Like the model, you should also be moving and trying to explore different angles and height levels. Don’t be afraid to get into awkward positions to frame your perfect shot. You might find yourself bending over, kneeling down, standing on tables or even lying on the floor.

5.) Be confident
Models can tell when you’re not confident, which can appear as if you’re lacking professionalism and can eventually hurt your reputation.

Be positive about your skills and traits as a photographer. Even if this is your first time shooting a model, don’t let that show and continue to extricate an upbeat vibe.

Happy shooting!

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digital underwater photography

shooting fish - the right way!
Underwater photography has been revolutionized by digital cameras. Most cameras now have homes available that give everyone a chance to capture the underwater world!

Underwater photography is a creative challenge that will enthrall you both and hone your skills as a diver. This will focus your attention to the underwater world and you'll see more about your environment - not, as many believe, for less.


learn from the experience!
While it is true that the instructor can teach underwater photography, not all have the same level of experience! This experience we snorkling in karimun Java, we learned many things here.
learn from the experience!

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Wedding photography is simple

But don’t confuse simple with easy!

Shooting weddings and building a successful business requires a ton of hard work! You take on a huge responsibility documenting this once in a lifetime event. The images you create will be all that is left to tell this story to future generations. Wedding photos are truly valuable.

Wedding photographers are lucky. They get to shoot incredible events and spend time with people on one of the happiest days of their lives.

And while a wedding is a long and complex event and a business has a ton of different parts, there are just a few simple ideas that underly success:

1.Storytelling – A wedding is a story. But what’s it about, and how do you tell it with your photos?

2.Client Experience – Running a service business means taking care of your clients. What are the steps you can take to find clients and create a great experience for them?

3.Preparation – There are no do-overs with a wedding. What do you need to do to prepare and how will it make your photos better?

Simple Wedding Photography is a downloadable eBook that walks you step-by-step through the process of shooting a wedding. You’ll also learn how to start, and run, a successful wedding photography business.

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Night Photography Tips

Over the last year I’ve become more and more enamored with night photography and the depth of colours offered by it. Today I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned with you and hear your thoughts on this diverse and fascinating style of photography.

What are our tools in night photography?
1.Tripod. While not always necessary (see further on for how to cheat on this), a tripod will give you the greatest flexibility to get the angles you need while keeping your camera steady for those long exposures.

2.Wide-angle lenses. This is a personal preference, but I love the way they work in night photography. I use Canon’s 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 ($700), but if you can afford it I’d get the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II ($1300). If both of these are out of your price range – don’t worry! Try it out with whatever you’ve got as the only thing that will limit you is your imagination.

3. To minimize lens flares from light entering at angles outside of your frame.

4.A flashlight. Sometimes you’ll want to draw attention to or simply lighten up an important part of the foreground which is too dark.

5.Our imagination. Tools lie all around us in everyday objects to help us make our work better in this; I’ve used bicycle lamps, lampposts and newspaper boxes to get it done.

6.The same composition rules that apply to day apply to night, except with night we have our long exposures to take advantage of. I’ve chosen a selection of my night work to illustrate some tricks of the trade:

 

NB : good luck :)

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