how to remove a wet area

[EB Photography]

Hi Damien. Could you please help with how to rid the wet patch on mums top from her baby? Thank you so much! Ive attached the jpeg image. Cheers Emma

[Damien Symonds]

Oh dear.  This won't be easy, but I'm confident we can fix it if we work carefully.

First, go ahead and do your raw processing as normal, then post again for me when you're ready for the Photoshop work to begin.

[EB Photography]

Oh dear. Ive done my RAW processing! Maybe I need to re-read your RAW class!! Is there something wrong?

 

[Damien Symonds]

Badly wrong, yes.

[EB Photography]

would you be so kind as to explain where please? Sorry for being such a dunce, but a little guidance would go a really long way as I didn't think it was too bad so I'm blissfully ignorant! Thank you.

[Damien Symonds]

Not here.  Post in the class.

[EB Photography]

Now I have expertly corrected the RAW processing with some amazing advice. Here is the new image (unedited except RAW processing), please can I have some advice on removing or reducing the wee patch on mum's top?

Thank you

[Damien Symonds]

Would this be ok?

[EB Photography]

Oh wow!! you are a genius!!! How on earth did you create that magic??? 

 

[Damien Symonds]

Download the PSD file

First, add the Levels layer with the same values I used (on all three channels) and mask it carefully to the stain area with a 100% brush.

Then drop to a 5% brush, and gently paint back with black, areas which are now too light.

Keep painting very patiently and carefully until you've made it as perfect as possible.

But I feel it's impossible to make it completely perfect with the Levels layer alone.  Therefore, the next step is to add the blank layer above, and choose your Clone Tool.  Make sure it's set to "Sample:Current and Below" in the options bar.

Clone with the tool at 20% opacity.  Work patiently, blending everything until it looks nice.

[EB Photography]

When you talk about entering the values on all three channels, do I choose the red channel and it's the number on the right that you entered (in this image it is 240)? Then doing the same for the Blue and Green channels?  

[Damien Symonds]

Yes, but not just the right-hand number.  Check all of the numbers.

Oh, wait, sorry, I forgot which job this was.  Yes, just the right-hand number.

[EB Photography]

This is my effort using your magic numbers. Do you think it's acceptable? Also, how did you come up with those magic numbers? Or is it something I will learn over time on how to choose those numbers? 

[Damien Symonds]

It looks fabulous, well done!

5 minutes ago, EB Photography said:

Also, how did you come up with those magic numbers? Or is it something I will learn over time on how to choose those numbers? 

It will be the subject of "The Advanced Levels Class" in the future.

[EB Photography]

OK. I'll definitely be doing that one once I've finished the ones I'm getting through! Thanks so much for your help Damien. You really are a genius in my eyes!!