Portrait retouch (not smoothing). Please C&C

[zemlin]

Check out these two links. When the page is done loading, mouse over the image to see the untouched version. Anything that I should have done differently? The one thing I'll mention is that a stray hair on Dan's forehead isn't completely cloned out - it was right on the break point of the shadow and I struggled with that. I might have to try it one more time.

Dan
Beth

My goal was to keep the images very real. Any permanent blemishes stayed - except for the redness on the skin. I posted images from this shoot with essentially the same processing before in the portrait forum, but some folks said they didn't see much difference. This A/B on the web page make is easier to see what I've done.

[gevaudanbeast]

These look like some pretty good retouches to me man. They look like they have real skin, and they don't look like they were tried to be made twenty years younger. Just "fresher". Thank you for making them look REAL.

[mjklunk]

Excellent job on these. I don't think I'd change a thing on Dan's. On Beth's though I think I would remove a couple of the small blemishes that to me don't appear to be permanent. I say that not knowing her and not knowing what is not just a blemish at the time. I would love to know your technique for removing "reddish" skin tones so naturally.

[Terry Gelgen]

I think they look really good. I especially like the fact that you took out the skin of Beth's arm at the bottom sides. Skin tones look better in both.

[KatMitchell]

Nice Job Zemlin.. You did a great job of removing the reddish skin tones and great call on bringing the shirt down on Beth's arms.. I see the difference big time, but you kept them looking "real"... I prefer this to heavy smoothing on the skin...

Kat