How to Get Cool and Dark Skin Tones in Photoshop

How to Get Cool and Dark Skin Tones in Photoshop,

Therefore, Creating cool and dark skin tones in Photoshop involves a combination of color adjustments, layer blending, and possibly some painting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve this effect:

Step 1: Open Your Image,

1. In other words, Open your image in Photoshop.

Rule 2: Duplicate the Layer,

1. However, Duplicate your background layer by right-clicking on the layer in the Layers panel and selecting “Duplicate Layer” or by pressing Ctrl+J (Windows) or Cmd+J (Mac).

Step 3: Convert to Smart Object,

1. For instance, Convert the duplicated layer to a Smart Object by right-clicking on the layer and selecting “Convert to Smart Object.” This allows you to make non-destructive edits.

How to Get Cool and Dark Skin Tones in Photoshop,

Rule 4: How to Get Cool and Dark Skin Tones in Photoshop, Apply a Cooling Filter,

1. Above all, Go to Image > Adjustments > Photo Filter.
2. Select a Cooling Filter (e.g., Cooling Filter (80)).
3. Similarly, Adjust the density to get the desired cooling effect.

Step 5: Adjust Hue/Saturation,

1. In addition, Create a new Hue/Saturation adjustment layer by going to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation.
2. After that, Lower the saturation slightly to avoid overly vibrant colors.
3. Adjust the hue slightly towards the cooler end (usually to the left).

Step 6: Use Color Balance,

1. Create a new Color Balance adjustment layer by going to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Color Balance.
2. Adjust the shadows, mid-tones, and highlights towards blue and cyan to cool down the skin tone.

Rule 7: How to Get Cool and Dark Skin Tones in Photoshop, Use Curves for Darkening,

1. Therefore, Create a new Curve adjustment layer by going to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves.
2. Pull down the curve slightly to darken the image. Focus on adjusting the midtones and shadows.

Step 8: Fine-Tuning with Selective Color,

1. Create a new Selective Color adjustment layer by going to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Selective Color.
2. Select “Reds” from the dropdown menu and adjust the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black sliders to fine-tune the skin tones.
3. You can also adjust “Neutrals” and “Blacks” to refine the overall look.

Rule 9: How to Get Cool and Dark Skin Tones in Photoshop, Masking (If Needed)

1. If the adjustments affect areas other than the skin, you can use masking to limit the effect. Click on the mask of the adjustment layer.
2. Use a soft brush with black color to paint over areas you don’t want to be affected by the adjustment.

Step 10: Final Adjustments,

1. Review your image and make any additional tweaks to the adjustment layers as needed.
2. You can also add a new layer, set its blending mode to “Soft Light” or “Overlay,” and paint with a low-opacity brush to add more cool tones or shadows manually.

Example Workflow,

1. Photo Filter: Apply Cooling Filter (80) with 25-30% density.
2. Hue/Saturation: Lower saturation to -10 and hue to -5.
3. Color Balance:

1. Shadows: +10 Cyan, -10 Magenta, -10 Yellow
2. Midtones: +5 Cyan, +5 Magenta, -5 Yellow
3. Highlights: +10 Cyan, -5 Magenta, +5 Yellow

1. Curves: Darken the midtones slightly.
2. Selective Color:

1. Reds: +5 Cyan, +5 Magenta, +5 Yellow, +5 Black
2. Neutrals: +2 Cyan, +2 Magenta, +2 Yellow, +2 Black

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve cool and dark skin tones in your images. Remember, the exact values and adjustments will vary depending on the original image, so feel free to experiment and fine-tune to get the desired result.