Under-eye bags are some of the most common things clients will want you to retouch, and as such, it is important to know how to take care of them efficiently and convincingly. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to do exactly this.
Coming to you from Aaron Nace of Phlearn, this great video tutorial will show you how to retouch under-eye circles using Photoshop. Nace begins by addressing a growing misconception in photo editing: the overreliance on generative AI tools. Many photographers, both amateur and professional, fall into the trap of expecting AI to be a magic wand that can effortlessly perfect any image. However, as he demonstrates, using AI for tasks like removing under-eye bags can lead to unintended consequences. The AI’s algorithm, while powerful, often alters the person’s natural features, resulting in an image where the subject looks distinctly different. This is especially true for delicate facial areas like the eyes, where even minor changes can significantly impact the overall appearance.
The tutorial offers a more controlled and nuanced approach. The key here is the subtle application. By feathering the edges of the selection with a Gaussian blur and quick mask, the changes blend seamlessly with the natural skin tone, avoiding the harsh, artificial look that AI edits can produce.
Nace also shares valuable tips on using the brush tool effectively. Setting the hardness to zero and the flow to a low percentage, he demonstrates how to gently layer the edits, ensuring a gradual build-up that respects the subject’s original features. The use of the lighten blend mode is another critical piece of advice, ensuring that only the dark areas are targeted without altering the overall facial structure.
It’s nice to see a reminder that refined manual technique is still important. While AI offers convenience, it lacks the nuanced understanding of human features that a skilled editor brings to the table. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Nace.
