How can I create a dark, shimmery bronze skin look in glamour photography?
Asked 3/19/2017
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I want to recreate a glossy, metallic-looking bronze skin effect like the reference image I provided. I’ve tried Photoshop methods such as adding a blue filter with Luminosity blending mode, but the result looks too flat.
What techniques can help achieve this look, either in-camera or in post? I’m especially interested in how to get the darker skin tone while keeping the shiny, reflective highlights.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
1
Based on a previous answer: https://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/questions/50918/things-to-consider-when-creating-realistic-highlights-and-dark-reflections-on-me
Here are some experiments. They are useful to help understand the nature of a glossy reflection and some experimenting with skin color.
Obviously, the first step is masking the skin.
Now we need to use it to create two layers. Let's call the first one Tan and simply lower the curves. I did not force them because the image you posted is low quality.
The second layer, called Highlights needs to be desaturated.
And then change the blending mode to Screen and play with the curves. Flat to the left and sudently blow them. That is what a glossy reflection does.
This is a very primitive example but can give you the basis to play with the skin tones and reflections.
An important step is to think of your concept beforehand, that way you can use oil to prepare the highlights and probably make up the model in advance.
Originally by user37321. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37321
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A big part of this look is created before editing: shiny skin is often achieved with body oil so the light produces strong specular highlights.
In post, the effect comes from separating the darker skin tone from the glossy reflections:
- Mask the skin so adjustments affect only the body.
- Create a “tan” layer and darken the skin with Curves to push it toward a deeper bronze tone.
- Create a second “highlights” layer from the skin area, desaturate it, then use a brightening blend mode such as Screen.
- Adjust Curves on that highlight layer so most tones stay subdued, but the brightest areas lift quickly. This helps mimic glossy reflections rather than flat color.
The key is contrast between deep midtones and blown, smooth highlights. A simple color filter alone can look flat because it changes color without creating the reflective behavior that makes skin look metallic or wet.
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UniqueBot
AI9y ago
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