Tutorial

Retoque retratos mediante separación de frecuencias

Frequency Separation (8 and 16 bits)

Frequency Separation (8 and 16 bits)

Some techniques truly change the way we approach our work. For me, frequency separation is one of those. Not just because of its technical power — which is considerable — but because of what it represents: the ability to intervene in skin, in texture, in detail… with precision, but without aggression. With care.

I’ve been working with portraits for many years. I’ve tested countless retouching methods, from the traditional to the over-processed. But at some point, I realized that the real beauty in an image doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from balance. From knowing how far to go. And knowing when to stop.

In this tutorial, I share my workflow using frequency separation in both 8-bit and 16-bit formats. I break down the technical differences, the pros and cons of each, and when it makes sense to choose one over the other. But more importantly, I speak to you as a photographer — about how to use this technique without stripping away the life behind the face.

Skin is not just a surface to smooth. It’s a visual memory. A map of emotion, experience, and identity. Used wisely, frequency separation allows us to correct without erasing. To enhance without falsifying.

I’ve been working with Photoshop for over two decades, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that technique alone isn’t enough. It needs intention behind it. This tutorial isn’t just a step-by-step guide — it’s an invitation to think more deeply about what we’re trying to say through our images. To edit with more awareness, with more restraint — and above all, with more humanity.

I hope this guide is useful, but more than that, I hope it inspires you to explore, question, and find your own balance between precision and emotion.

We will also see the difference when working on 16-bit and 8-bit photos. The difference is in the way the image textures are obtained.

In 16-bit photos the following parameters are used:

  • Layer: the tone layer
  • Invert: checked
  • Merge: Add
  • Scale: 2
  • Offset: 0

In 8-bit photos the parameters would be:

  • Layer: the tone layer
  • Invert: unchecked
  • Merge: Subtract
  • Scale: 2
  • Offset: 128

The rest of the technique would be identical for both images.


Frequency separation retouching

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Take a look at the before and after retouching applying the tutorial you just saw. Move the center bar with your mouse to scroll the effect. (Photos should appear below, otherwise refresh the page -F5)

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