MANNY LIBRODO WORKSHOP 1

Standard Workflow

Important:
*Work in layers
1) Layers allow you to make mistakes, and still be able to fix them.
2) Layers also allow you to blend elements in the picture,
work separately on the subject and background,
and makes the subject pop out of the background.

A. Quick Work on Colours:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Duplicate Layers
Auto Levels
Merge the two layers sometimes/ adjust the opacity accordingly
If colours are not lively/warm enough, use curves

B. Retouch the Eyes: my purpose is to get more details in the eyes

1. Duplicate layer
2. Using Lasso tool, choose the irises of the eyes
Make sure to feather the lasso tool : 20-40 px
3. Go to Image Adjustments
a. Shadow/Highlight
-Amount: around 70
-Midtone contrast: around 50
4. Layer/Layer Mask/Reveal All
a. Using brush, clean up the edges
b. If you think you overdid the details in the eyes,
Adjust the opacity of the top layer
5. Flatten layers

MANNY LIBRODO WORKSHOP 2

C. Making the Subject Pop Out from the Background
1. Duplicate Layer
2. Blend Layers: Multiply (it makes the picture dark)
-Sometimes, I choose BW (using channel) version to multiply over the
color version; it makes the picture look grungy
*Blue Channel: darkest (used for more impact)
3. Add Layer Mask/Reveal All
-Using brush tool with soft edges, brush back the main subject keeping
the background dark. Be careful with the edges.
4. Sometimes change the tone of the background to make the subject more
striking
-Image/Adjustment/Variation (pick what you like) do it in layers
D.

Treating Skin / Make the Picture 3 Dimensional/ Add Glow to the Skin
1. Duplicate layer
2. Go to Channels
3. Click on the different channels and choose the one that you like and
Click Select All
-Red Channel (High Key; Good for Fashion Shoots)
-Green Channel (mid-range)
-Blue Channel (grungy)
4. Edit Copy
5. Click on RGB then Edit Paste
6. Experiment on Blending mode
- Screen : High Key
- Multiply: Low Key
- Soft Light
7. Adjust opacity in layer (for fair skin, 39 percent usually gives a tinge of
color) and adjust to taste
8. Layer Mask
Reveal All
9. Return the parts you want to keep the way they are (adjust Opacity of
the brush)
10. Flatten layer

MANNY LIBRODO WORKSHOP 3

E. Color and Contrast Enhancement (Again)
1. Use curves (do it in layers and adjust layer opacity accordingly)
2. Use Image Adjustment/Selective Colors to saturate some tones
3. Change Colors using Hue/Saturation and Replace Colors

Add Ons:
Sharpening: originally developed by Luko, a photographer from France)
Filter/Sharpen/Unsharp mask:18/40/0
Filter/Sharpen/Unsharp mask:150/0.3/0
Edit/Fade Unsharp mask:Darken 100%
Filter/Sharpen/Unsharp mask:150/0.3/0
Edit/Fade Unsharp mask: Lighten 50%
Resizing for web
Image Size
800 px on longer side
256 dpi