Post Processing Skin/Portraits

[drisley]

I've seen some very good post processing on skin for portraits that really brings out detail in some areas but reduces flaws in the skin.

If you watch the tv show "Saturday Night Live", they do some very nice processing to the host's pictures that appear before and after commercials. I cant quite put my finger on what they've done, but they give a nice glow to the portrait, without soften details too much.
In fact, facial features are enhanced.
One time I saw a tutorial for this process on the web, but I cant for the life of me find it again.

Anybody have any tips/techniques/secrets they want to share?

Addendum:
I found a couple examples (although very bad quality)
http://sharpnsmart.com/temporary/snl3.jpg

http://sharpnsmart.com/temporary/snl4.jpg

[evilenglishman]

you can get that effect by adjusing brightness/contrast

[drisley]

Thanks, actually there was much more to it than that.
But again, I can't remember the techniques.
Of course, there was the usual blur of the skin, and curves adjustments, but something else too.
I might give it a go myself and see what I come up with.
Thanks again

[drisley]

Found it!

The fourth image down.
Place your mouse over it to see the difference.
He doesnt go into great detail, but does mention a few tips.
http://www.digitalretouch.org/portrait_gallery.html

[Conk]

If you want a tutorial for a portrait retouch then this is your ticket right here. http://www.okongraphics.com/tutorials/portraitretouch.html
The only thing is it doesn't cover the plastic surgury mentioned in the examples you've shown, but I still think you'll like what you see.

[drisley]

Thanks Conk.
Yes, very cool.

I think all that is really needed after that step is a levels/curves adjustment, or as EE sugested, adjustments of brightness/contrast.

The step I was missing was to add back some noise to avoid the "plasticy" look. That is a very good point...

Then... plastic surgery!