We could all do with some handy ideas for retouching images and making them look better. Here are our 5 most vital tips when it comes to retouching and editing
Duplicate objects in a photo by selecting them with the Quick Selection tool and pressing Cmd/Ctrl+J. This places the object on its own layer, which can be moved and repositioned using the Free Transform command, or Cmd/Ctrl+T for its shortcut.
For retouching, be sure to always add new layers to the composition so you can easily delete mistakes by simply removing one. Never make changes to the Background layer in the image.
Once hair has been selected and masked, there can still be areas that need fine-tuning. Use the Smudge tool, with Strength set to 50%, to smooth and refine any broken strands for a better cutout.
To brighten up the faces of people, select the Brush tool and set its Mode in the Options bar to Color Dodge. Also set its Opacity to 10% and duplicate the Background layer. Press Opt/Alt to sample a skin tone, and then paint over the faces and skin areas to lighten them and improve general exposure.
To quickly intensify sky, use the Burn tool set to Midtones and 50% Exposure. Paint over the shadow areas and then switch to the Dodge tool, changing its settings to Highlights at 10% Exposure. Paint over the highlights in the sky with a large brush to boost overall contrast.