How to Eliminate Wrinkles in Photoshop
In order to portray subjects in the most flattering light possible, it is sometimes necessary to remove wrinkles and blemishes during post-production editing. Photoshop offers an array of advanced tools to improve facial complexions, even in close-up portraits. Although wrinkle removal can improve the aesthetics of a photo, removing all wrinkles can result in an unrealistic-looking image. Thus, you should reduce the number of depth of wrinkles in your portraits, but always leave some texture in the face.
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Instructions
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Open your image file in Photoshop by selecting File > Open.
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Create a new duplicate layer for your image by selecting Layer > Duplicate Layer. Name this layer anything you like (the default is "Layer 1") when prompted. Creating a separate layer for editing the wrinkles in your subject allows you to preserve the original image in case you make an error along the way. It also allows you to blend the layer with the original to create a more realistic final image.
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Select the Healing Brush tool from the sidebar. Choose a brush size slightly larger than the width of the wrinkles, so that you can cover the entire area in a single click. Select a smooth area of your subject's cheek or forehead and, pressing "Alt," use a mouse-click to use this area as a reference point. Paint over the wrinkles on your subject's forehead, around his eyes, and in the corners of his mouth. Notice that the painted color does not match the subject's skin color until you release the mouse button. If you make a mistake or don't like the results, simply click "Undo" in the "Edit" menu.
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Select the Patch Tool from the sidebar. Draw a complete enclosure around a blemish you would like to remove. Drag the marquee to a smooth area of the subject's face and release the mouse button. The blemish should be replaced by the texture of the skin in the smooth area you chose. Continue using the Patch Tool and the Healing Brush Tool until the subject's complexion is smooth and even.
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Reduce the opacity of Layer 1 about 70 percent so that some of the larger wrinkles subtly surface. Without some wrinkles, the subject's face may look unnatural, especially if she is over 50 years old. After you have blended the two layers to your satisfaction, choose "Flatten Image" to merge all of your layers.
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References
- Photo Credit old man 6 image by Harvey Hudson from Fotolia.com
