This tutorial is to show you a fast and simple way to give images those quick touch ups that make the photo stand out.

IMAGE COLOR ENHANCEMENT

1. Open your image in PS CS2. The image I will be using can be seen in Fig 1. Click on it for full size.

You can either run my saved actions [ download ] or follow these next steps.

2. IMAGE > ADJUSTMENTS > AUTO CONTRAST

3. IMAGE > ADJUSTMENTS > HUE / SATURATION - [ image ]

4. IMAGE > ADJUSTMENTS > SHADOW / HIGHLIGHT - [ image ]

5. If you do not have the GRAIN SURGERY plugin skip this step or give it a try [ link ]
Otherwise use these settings [ image ] - (Not neccessary, just a great tool.)

6. Duplicate the layer

7. FILTERS > BLUR > GAUSSIAN BLUR : 4 pixels

8. Set duplicated layer mode to OVERLAY

9. Set layer opacity to 50%

10. LAYER > MERGE LAYERS

IMAGE TOUCH UP

Now here's where the magic starts.

1. Zoom in and grab your DODGE TOOL.
Set it to 3 px (thickness of your subjects iris), 0% hardness, Highlight, 15%
We are going to bring out the eyes by highlighting the iris around the pupil.
Click and drag and trace the pupil as if to color it in. Make 3 passes and then repeat until you have what you want. [ image ]

2. Increase the size of your DODGE TOOL to match the eye height. And go over the whole eye 1-3 times to brighten it up. [ image ]

3. Reduced the size of the DODGE TOOL. This time set it to SHADOWS to add a highlight to the lips for extra gloss [ image ]

4. Select the BURN TOOL.
Set it to 11px, 0% hardness, midtones, 15%
Now we are going to add eyeshadow. [ image ]

5. If you would like the lips darker... run the BURN TOOL over the lips [ image ]

6. If you want more color on the cheeks. Increase the BURN TOOL size and
set it to SHADOWS at 25% [ image ]