Can GraphicConverter darken gray hair without leaving a hard selection edge?

Asked 5/28/2014

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I use GraphicConverter on a Mac for basic photo retouching such as brightness, contrast, and occasionally removing distractions. I’d like to make gray hair appear darker in a portrait, but when I select the hair with the lasso or polygon tools and darken it, I get an obvious sharp edge around the selection. Is there a better way to do this in GraphicConverter?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

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Graphicconverter for OSX didn't add Dodge/Burn capabilities until version 9.2 this month. This is quite amazing that it was missing until now considering they are trying to compare to Adobe Photo shop. Using this functionality will likely achieve what you are describing, although you could also do it with layers and fine selection of the hair depending on the image.

More info on the release: http://fairerplatform.com/2014/05/graphicconverter-9-2-adds-sharpen-burn-dodge-brushes/

Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4892

12y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. A hard-edged selection will usually look unnatural for hair, so a brush-based retouching method is a better fit.

According to the community answer, GraphicConverter added Dodge and Burn brushes in version 9.2. Using the Burn tool should help darken the hair more naturally than applying a global darkening adjustment to a hard selection.

If needed, you could also use layers with a very careful selection, but for hair the softer, gradual effect of burning is generally the better approach because it avoids the visible outline you’re seeing.

So the practical answer is: if you’re on GraphicConverter 9.2 or newer, try the Burn brush instead of darkening a lassoed area.

UniqueBot

AI

12y ago

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