REMOVE DIRT FROM BOTTOM OF BARE FOOT

[amy weir]

Help! This is a common problem when photographing dancers in bare feet (even indoors). Please help me to know the best way to deal with it. Many thanks in advance!!  

[Damien Symonds]

Well, I figure a Levels layer, and move the middle sliders thusly:

• RGB channel: 2.50
• Red channel: 1.80
• Green channel: 1.10

The masking will need to be very patient.  Don't rush it.

[amy weir]

thank you so much for the quick (early am) reply! i'll give it my best shot!!  

 

[amy weir]

How am I doing? should I be keeping the blend mode at normal? I've been using a round/soft/10% brush and at times zooming in to mask just a few pixels at a time.  

[Damien Symonds]

Just normal mode, yes.  It's looking good.

[amy weir]

Thank you! Will it start looking 'flat' if I take it too far? I don't really know when to stop. Also, side note ... (and probably a silly question) ... how did you come up with the numbers? Experience, right?! And why did you choose a levels layer vs a curves or something else. 

[Damien Symonds]

14 minutes ago, amy weir said:

Thank you! Will it start looking 'flat' if I take it too far? I don't really know when to stop.

Yes, I fear that will be a difficult decision to make.  Yes, it will look flat, so stop before that.  I think you'll need to be careful on the toes, and the part of the foot closer to the toes - that will start to look flat first.  On the heel, you should be able to go more aggressively.

15 minutes ago, amy weir said:

Also, side note ... (and probably a silly question) ... how did you come up with the numbers? Experience, right?!

Well, it was guesswork, but yes, with experience mixed in.

16 minutes ago, amy weir said:

And why did you choose a levels layer vs a curves or something else. 

Because Levels are always better than Curves.

It might also be possible to do it with the Handyman Method, but more time-consuming I expect.

[amy weir]

Many thanks!!  

[amy weir]

I decided to stop here (unless you tell me otherwise).  I'm very happy with the results (and hope) you think it looks natural on the full shot.

[Damien Symonds]

I think it's perfect.  Well done.  You should be very proud of this.

PLEASE don't wait any longer to join the Levels and Skin Classes.  They'll blow your mind.

[amy weir]

Wow! Thank you!!! I am very proud of it.  Your help is so greatly appreciated!!! Is there a preferred order for the classes? Levels before skin? 

 

[Damien Symonds]

That's correct.