The eyes and their brilliance are the key to a successful portrait - many times, a simple touch can make a big difference. Photoshop and its features allow you to retouch an image, making it particularly attractive. If you do not intend to use an Action, which is an automatic procedure, you can modify your photo with the help of some tools, such as the Unsharp Mask or the Burn / Dodge tools, available in all versions of Photoshop.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use the Unsharp Mask
Step 1. Zoom in on your image
Select the magnifying glass on the toolbox, or, if you have it set, use the mouse wheel to zoom in or out. The magnification helps you work on the details, and immediately notice the changes you are making.
Step 2. Select the eyes using the Magnetic Lasso tool
With this tool, the edge is snapped to the edges of well-defined areas of the image - it is also ideal for quickly selecting objects with complex edges on a high-contrast background. Click on the tool, choosing it from the toolbar, and go to select the area of the iris (only the colored part of the eye).
Step 3. Set the "Feather" parameter for the selection
This option allows you to integrate a portion of the image, modified or not, with what is around it, working on the pixels of the outline, and making them more blended with the rest of the photo. To set the pixel value of the "Feather" option, go to the top bar. Set the value to 10 - you can also try different sizes, and find the one that's right for you.
Step 4. Select the "Unsharp Mask"
Still in the top menu, select "Filter", scroll down to "Sharpness", and choose "Unsharp Mask". This tool, whose name may suggest the opposite, works to outline the iris, and bring out the colors and details of the image. Once you have clicked on the mask, a dialog box will open, where you can change the parameters. Bring the "Radius" value to 3, 6, and the "Threshold" to 0. Then, move to the first parameter, the highest one, the "Factor" and, using the slider, you can increase or decrease its value. Experiment to find the right size.
Keep in mind, however, that by increasing the contrast considerably, you risk creating an unrealistic image
Step 5. Work on the contrast
The last step consists precisely in finding the right balance on the contrast. Select "Image" from the top menu, scroll down to "Adjustments" - "Curves". Using the sliders, placed under the curve frame, you can play on the contrast, but be careful not to overdo it.
Step 6. Repeat the above operation for the other eye as well, being careful to use the parameters already used for the first one
When you are done, zoom out, and check that the result is realistic.
Step 7. Finished
Method 2 of 2: Using the Burn and Dodge tools
Step 1. Duplicate the background layer, working on a copy avoids damaging the original image
Select the background layer, right click "Duplicate Layer", or with CTRL / CMD + J. If you choose "Duplicate Layer", you can rename it via the dialog box, or let Photoshop automatically rename it to "Copy Background". However, since you're going to be working on a specific part, it wouldn't hurt to call the layer "Eyes", for example.
Step 2. Zoom in on the eyes
With the Zoom tool, zoom in on the image, and position yourself on the first eye.
Step 3. Select the "Dodge" tool from the tools panel
The Dodge tool will help you make your eyes stand out, but be aware that it will apply a subtle glow to the selection.
Step 4. Set the values of the Dodge tool
Once the tool has been selected, in the options menu at the top, you will find on the left the combo box to select the brush size. In this case, the brush will have to cover the entire part of the iris. Set the Hardness to 10%, the "Interval" to "Halftone", and the "Exposure" to 20%.
Step 5. Swipe the tool over the eye
Overhaul several times with the brush only on the iris, leaving out the pupil (the black central part). You will see that the "Dodge" tool will increase the brightness of the eye.
Step 6. Select the "Burn" tool
This tool is used to slightly darken the outlines of objects. Right click on the Dodge Tool, and select the "Burn" tool from the dialog box, in the tools panel. After selecting it, you will notice the hand icon on the panel.
Step 7. Let's go to set the parameters of this new tool
First, change the size of the brush (obviously the size varies depending on the size of the image). Set the hardness to 10%, the "Interval to" Shadows ", and the" Exposure to 15%.
Step 8. Work around the outline of the iris and pupil
The veiled shadows will make the look deeper. The brush will automatically work according to the previously set parameters.
Step 9. Complete your image
Repeat the steps described above for the other eye as well, keeping the same parameters. Every so often, zoom out to check that the changes aren't too invasive, and the result is eye-catching, yet realistic.
