How to make eyes really pop in Photoshop?

JayClark79

Im wondering what tricks you guys are doing to peoples eyes to really make them pop/ stand out/ look amazing?

Iv tried sharpening the color in the eye... and it does look alittle nicer but nothing like iv seen some of these eyes look.

BradfordBenn

If I remember correctly there is something in the Tutorials about this http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/6885600_qzSwN

JayClark79

which tutorial is it? I did some searching and didnt see it.

BradfordBenn

I was thinking this one "Making Your Image Pop" but I have not read it myself.

pathfinder

They usually involve some sort of overlay blending to lighten the whites of the eyes, and some darkening, increasing color saturation of the irises. Some local sharpening may also be applied.

Best to do these activities on a layer so you can adjust the opacity to taste.

A quick google of "Photoshop - how to make eyes pop" -> http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Photoshop+-+how+to+make+eyes+pop&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Take you pick of techniques. Some of these might be helpful, and some sound like not so much

divamum

This assumes you're using PS - adjust directions for other programs.

I'll often make eyes pop simply by:

1. Draw around the eye area (both sides) or select just the eyes using the quick tool (or method of your choice)
2. ctrl+j for a new layer - this gives you a layer of the area you just selected
3. Change this new layer to "screen"
4. Adjust opacity way down (usually 10-25% - very seldom more)
5. Add a mask
6. With black brush, brush away where you DON'T need it lighter

This isn't the only way I do it, but it's a good, fast zap in the eyes that takes less than 30 seconds to do. Often I'll dodge/burn before doing this - gives me even more variation as desired.

Also, at coffeeshop there's a nice little program called "perfect portrait" which has an eye definer and eye brightener in it - free, and an excellent addition for quickly adding some pop.