To fix skin in group photos, we can select just the faces we want to adjust using a mask
The first thing to do is to add a new Hue/Saturation adjustment layer via the Layers menu. Call it ‘skin tones’ and hit OK. The adjustment will appear in the Layers palette with its mask as white.
Boost the Saturation slider until pale faces begin to show better colour (a setting of +25 is usually enough). Ignore the rest of the image at this stage. You can always go back to the adjustment settings.
Press Cmd/Ctrl+I with the adjustment layer’s mask selected to invert it from white to black. This hides the changes made.
Use the Eraser tool (E) set to a soft brush to paint over the faces. This will reveal the adjustment underneath and show up as white bits on the layer mask.
Learn how to fix your group portrait shots in Photoshop Creative Issue 96, on sale now!
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