The term "Photoshop" has become synonymous with the process of retouching magazine images to improve the physical appearance of photo subjects. Using a few of Photoshop's built-in tools, it is relatively easy to remove any spots or blemishes from facial photos. The good news is that it does not take a huge amount of technical skill to learn to use Photoshop to retouch your own photos at home.
Instructions
1. Open your facial photo in Photoshop. Use the largest version of the photo you have available with the highest resolution possible. Smaller image files are more difficult to retouch because they tend to become blurry or distorted when enlarged in Photoshop.
2. Choose "Duplicate Layer" from the "Layer" menu to create a copy of the original layer. Enter a name for the layer in the title file so you will be able to easily distinguish between the two layers in the "Layers" window. You will make all of your edits to the image within this duplicate layer.
3. Select the "Clone Stamp" tool from the "Tools" bar. Find an area on your facial photo that contains a blemish or spot you would like to erase. Press the "Alt" key on your keyboard and click on a nearby area that is smooth or unblemished to tell the "Clone Stamp" to use that area of the photo as a reference point.
4. Paint over the blemish or spot on your facial photo using the "Clone Stamp" tool. The area you previously selected will be used as an example of the color and texture you would like to use to replace the blemish or spot. For this reason, the "Clone Stamp" is ideal for smoothing out the appearance of skin and creating a clear facial complexion.
5. Try to keep the appearance of your facial photo as symmetrical as possible. Human faces are generally considered attractive when the lines and shadows on the face are symmetrical. You can use the "Clone Stamp" to copy a line or shadow on any part of the face, holding down "Alt" as you click on it, to add it to another area.
6. Erase the wrinkles around the eyes in your facial photos using the "Healing Brush" tool to retouch them. This tool is also effective in blending any dark circles under the eyes in with the natural tone of the skin. Both of these effects will create a younger and more vibrant look for the subjects of your photos.
7. Adjust the lighting of your facial photo using the "Brightness/Contrast" setting under the "Adjustments" portion of the "Image" menu. Choose a level of brightness that makes the color of your subject's eyes stand out from the rest of the image, if possible.
