Helicon Filter Help

How to fix a reddish face

In this tutorial we will discuss how you can fix a reddish face with Helicon Filter in several minutes. We will use the following image as example (download original, 5Mp, 2.5M):

As you can see, this shot cannot be fixed by changing the saturation of the whole image. In this case other parts of the image will be unnaturally pale.

So the best way is to use Retouching brushes to make local changes on the man's face.

Step 1. Open a source image

You can open an image with the usual Open Dialog (menu->File->Open) or you can choose the image from the file browser on the Source tab.

If you would like to experiment with this sample image, I would suggest you to copy the image from this page and paste it into Helicon Filter.

Step 2. Switch to the Retouching tab.

Once you've opened the image, switch to the Retouching tab and select the Change color brush.

Set the brush parameters to the appropriate values.

Preserve brightness: Ensure this is ticked to turn it on. We want to change the tint of the skin but preserve the texture and details.

Saturation slider: set it to 0%. This means that the original saturation level will not be changed. If needed he level can be changed later.

Brush size: Let's try a value of 13.

Brush hardness: Set it to 80%. Too hard edges will make your changes too noticeable. Too soft edge will not allow to you change the face edges.

Edge sensitivity: Leave it at 0%. In this case it is quite easy to select the whole face with a regular brush without edge sensitivity. Sensitive brush works best on contrast edges with many small details like tree outline.

Step 3. Select natural skin color

The simplest way is to select natural color from the same image using the Color Picker ( ):

If there are no such color on the image, you can select skin color from the Memory Colors ():

Please note, that you can add your own items to the Memory Colors right here (Pick some color, then open Memory colors, then "Add this color").

You can also add a Memory color from the Colors tab.

Step 4. Try the brush and fine tuning of settings.

It is time to apply the brush and see if the result is good enough. As it is a draft, there is no need to be cautious with edges:

Original image	The first result

Well, as it is a trial, the man's face looks a bit yellow. The main reason for this was leaving the saturation level of the original area unchanged (0%).

Let us change Saturation slider to -18%, now reset all changes and try again:

Original image	The draft result

Now the face looks quite natural but you can get better results by changing a color and saturation values. I would suggest to select other skin color from the Memory colors and try again.

Step 5. Fine tuning of the result.

As I was not careful enought painting over the face, I've also changed the color of the lips, eyes and a part of the wall under a left ear.

Now, let us switch to the Erase changes brush to revert these areas to their original color:

Draft image with artifacts	The final result

Step 6. Save the resulting image.

If you are contented with your result, switch to Save tab and save the result as usual.

If you open the original image later the program will "recall" all parameters that were applied last time. Consequently you will be able to continue editing the original image.

If you have any suggestions for changes to Helicon Filter or to the help and tutorials, please contact us at filter@helicon.com.ua