When I first started with Photoshop, I tried to remove shadows under my girl’s eyes using the healing brush. I occasionally still use this tool on blemishes on a new layer, but I have found more effective ways to work on under eye/deep set eyes. Here are 3 different ways I accomplish reducing shadows under deep set eyes. The 1st way is my ALL TIME FAVORITE. So I will add a lot more detail about it than the second and third ways.

1. clone tool: select the clone tool. In the main bar, select a soft round airbrush about the size/diameter of the problem area. Then select Mode: Lighten. And set the opacity between 15-25% (I typically use 20%). Make sure sample all layers is checked. Then create a new blank layer. Since you selected sample all layers, it will sample the bottom one. Now ALT/opt CLICK on an area of good clear skin. Then you literally paint the area where the deep set, eye circle was. And it will fade as you paint. If the effect is too much, you can reduce the opacity in the layers palette.

Here is a screen shot of the tool bar:

2. The next way to get rid of “racoon eyes” is the dodge tool. Once the tool is selected, duplicate the background layer (so that you can change the opacity later). Then set the Range to Shadows and the Exposure to approximately 10%. Then slowly rub over the darkened under eye shadows. This will not work as well on all skin tones. If the effect is too much, reduce the exposure or reduce the opacity in the layers palette.

3. patch tool: work on a duplicate layer - make sure the tool is set to source. Make a circle/outline of the area that you need corrected. Be careful to trace good skin only (that surrounds the darker under eye shadow). Then drag to an area of good skin. And let go. Chances are you will need to reduce the opacity of the duplicate layer until this looks more natural.

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My name is Jodi. I am a mom of twin girls.

I love photography, but enjoy editing photos even more.

I do product photography, photoshop training, photo editing, and have a series of photoshop actions that I have created.

Everyone says blogging is great, so I thought I would give it a try.

I am not sure yet how I plan on utilizing the blog yet. But I am thinking I may have contests and use this as a place to share my product work, give photoshop tips, and maybe even do contests. We will soon see.

Here are my girls.

Jenna:

Ellie: