How to Airbrush a Photo

Last Updated: December 27, 2021 References

With the increasing popularity and utility of digital image-editing software like Photoshop, manipulating photos to improve them has been so much easier. The airbrush tool allows you to achieve greater control over your design/image by using additional layers to hold the brushstrokes. You can even remove imperfections in a person’s skin by "airbrushing."^{[1]
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Research source}

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:
Isolating an Area and Duplicating into Layers

1
Launch your Adobe Photoshop software. Locate the application your computer and double click to open.
2
Select a photo you want to edit. Go to the "File" menu and click "Open." Find and select the photo you want to edit. It’s best to select a photo with high resolution since you’re dealing with fine details. A 10-megapixel image should suffice.

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3
Use the Lasso tool. Select a portion of the photo with skin.
4
Duplicate that area by pressing Ctrl + J twice. You will now have two layers.^{[2]
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5
Rename the top layer “High Pass.” Also rename the middle layer “Low Pass.”

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Part 2

Part 2 of 5:
Working on the Low Pass Layer

1
Hide the High Pass layer. Do this by selecting the "High Pass" layer and clicking on the eye icon to the left of the layer.
2
Select the "Low Pass" layer. Select "Filter" then "Blur" from the menu.
3
Set the radius and threshold. First, choose "Surface Blur." Then adjust in a way that the image becomes blurry but still recognizable.^{[3]
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4
Adjust the threshold to where the edges become sharp. When you’re done, adjust the radius so the skin becomes smooth.

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Part 3

Part 3 of 5:
Working on the High Pass Layer

1
Select the "High Pass" layer. Click on the eye icon in the left to reveal this layer.
2
Change the layer blending mode to Linear Light. Do this by clicking the drop-down menu above your layer list and choosing the option.
3
Add a layer mask.^{[4]
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Research source} For a natural look, you will need to reduce the visibility of bumps on the darker skin-toned sides of the skin. To simulate this effect, add a layer mask by going to Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All.
4
Use the "Apply Image" tool. Apply a copy of the image on the mask.
5
Click the thumbnail of the High Pass layer.

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Part 4

Part 4 of 5:
Applying Filters

1
Zoom in to 100% somewhere close to the skin. Select "High Pass" filter. ^{[5]
X
Research source} You can find this option by expanding the "Filter" menu then "Other."
2
Adjust the Radius until the skin looks natural. It’s best to adjust in tiny increments.
3
Click the thumbnail on the layer mask. This is located in the layers palette.
4
Adjusts the contrast and brightness. Head to Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast. Increase the contrast and adjust the brightness to the bumps on the skin.
- The bumps are less visible on darker areas and more visible in bright areas.
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Part 5

Part 5 of 5:
Creating a Layer Mask for Areas Not on the Skin

1
Select the top two layers. Press Ctrl + G.
2
Hide the layers. Go to Layers > Layer Mask > Hide All.
3
Add a new layer. Add it above the "High Pass" layer.
4
Fill this with the color red. Change the opacity of the layer to 50%.
5
Select the "Group Layer Mask." Do this by clicking the black thumbnail in the layers palette.
6
Use the the brush tool and paint over the skin.^{[6]
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Research source} This will make the smooth skin effect visible over areas you paint.
7
Select a large-diameter brush. Just right-click anywhere on the canvas and select a large-diameter brush with 50 hardness.
8
Start painting the skin. Fill the tiny spots with a smaller brush. Precision isn’t too required here, as small flaws aren’t noticeable
9
Delete the red fill layer when you finish. Done!

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