Achieving accurate skin tones is one of the most challenging tasks in digital photography. Master this challenge with professional photographer Lee Varis as he covers a range of skin: women and men, young and old, various tones, in-studio and outdoors, tattoos, and more. His step-by-step tutorials and before-and-after illustrations demonstrate various techniques for topics such as digital-specific lighting challenges and what can and cannot be done in post-process.

A free CD-ROM accompanies the book and contains sample image files to use while following the tutorials, plus equipment recommendations and technical reference materials that enhance and reinforce the instruction.

Order your copy of this practical guide today and get a complete start-to-finish approach to integrating everything from posing models to shooting and retouching candid scenes.

Not as described

The book I ordered was listed as "new" on amazon.com, but when it arrived it had a crease on the front cover, similare to if the cover had been dog-eared. I kept the book because, after a string of bad experiences just like this one, I was sick of mailing things back, not being refunded the shipping cost, and essentially wasting money. Their shipping time was very quick, so that is a plus, but ultimatley, the book was not in the condition it was described as.

Skin, The Final Frontier

Skin, The Final Frontier. Skin is neither white nor black nor neutral grey. Lee Varis explain how to color correct skin. The one chapter on lighting is good enough IMHO to be the basis for another book. This book is fairly unique in its main subject and reason enough to buy it in addition to a general PhotoShop book. Fairly quick reading and well illustrated.

Thick book... tiny content

I did read all these great reviews and finally decided to buy this book.
To summarize - its rather disappointing.
Lighting? Not so great on it. Retouching? Beauty retouching technique (yes, no plurals) is pretty much "blur + brush".. With some texture to throw in. Sharpening technique (yes. No plurals again) - well.. not a lot of use - could be better done with LAB space. Most of colour discussion is about RGB space. Excuse me, what happened to CMYK and Lab? Bits about calibration - yes, nice, but not a lot of details. Its almost like someone thought up an idea for book, wrote few chapters then got sick of it, and started to throw in random thoughts and ideas just to fill up space.

I woulnt recommend this book to anyone who ever read Welcome To Oz! or any other decent book on photoshop.

skin

I’m floored by this book, there are things I never would have thought of! lots to learn and it’s going to take a while... I’m really happy that he offers tips for older editions of ps b/c I don’t have cs3 but I can still do everything he talks about b/c he explains how to do it with older editions too.... fabulous book, must have!!

Insightful

I haven’t read all the chapters yet, but so far the book has surpassed my expectations. It’s easy to understand but aimed at those who want a deeper understanding of photography. I bought it for the purpose of learning more about accurate skin color in digital photography, but the book has much more in content, such as a good chapter on lighting and photographing people.

Solid but nothing special

I really don’t get all the gushing 5-star reviews for this book. Some of the chapters are solid, but its full of filler [the tattoo chapter????], and final images that are frankly embarrassing. Kevin Ames’ book [photographing Women] is WAY better [and more interestingly written]. You should also check out Chris Orwig’s retouching stuff on lynda.com - also more valuable.

one of the best

I have worked in a pro photolab for 12 years. Photography and Photoshop are always a main topic in conversations at work.
This book is not an "intro book", if you want to learn photoshop or photography basics, I recommend looking somewhere else (try the digital photography book vol 1 or vol 2 {they’re both excellent but different} by the author scott kelby). What this book is, however, is one of the best all around books on intermediate portraiture skills that I’ve read. It has a broad spectrum of topics all relating to making skin look like you want it.

The book covers:
physical characteristics of digital capture and lighting
positioning of the lights and camera (a couple are a little over the top)
monitor calibration
retouching for flawless skin
other miscellaneous photoshop tricks and techniques

A real dissapointment, there are better sources like ...

I’m an experienced photographer and retoucher with Adobe Photoshop. I own many books and think can make a sincere judgment. Well, that said ...I have bought the book based on the many good reviews, but it was a real disappointment. It’s outdated and very, very basic. Even the only chapter that actually covers the title of the book about correcting skin tones wasn’t useful. Save the money, there are much better books and sources on the Internet. For example do a Google search on `Gry Garness’.

If you’re a photographer or Photoshop user with zero experience, then this book might bring you some knowledge, but for the rest it will only be in your book closet unused.

VERY HELPFUL, INDEED!

Behind the scenes look at the art and technique of glamour/nude photography. Includes discussion and many wonderful photos to help understand the concepts. I learned several techniques that I was not previously aware of. If you are interested in this type of photo work, I recommend the book. A good value.

Great Book on Skin

I haven’t really read all the chapters yet but this book is very professional in terms of the processes they use to enhance images. Everything from different kinds of lighting to the steps through photoshop to printing. With that said, this is not a beginner book. Prior photoshop experience is needed or else one will easily get lost.

Awesome!

This is a must have book for anyone shooting professional portraits or stock photos with people in them. It explains everything from lighting, to photoshop. Very well written!

Great help for working in CS3

The tools and exercises were easy to follow and understand, I found all of the information relevant and heplful. All of my photoshop project begin with a glance into this book for tips on how to do it better!
Great investment.

Very usable

Not the best for those new to Photoshop, and will be difficult for some to follow along with versions of PS older than CS. But packed with tips and tricks to allow you to get the most out of your digital images in the digital darkroom.

The Best Photoshop Book

I’m photographer and I like to read about the photoshop but this book is one of the best book of It’s kind, the book also include the CDROM with example images. Highly recommended.

Marcos

The best book on skin retouching

If you do portrait photography, you need this book.

Covers everything from lighting to wrinkles removal using the latest photoshop tools.

Great book.
Well worth it.

Jean