A conversion-focused product shot has an unexpected person partially behind the model; removing them will alter cast s…
Zoom in on the image to see dust and scratches clearly. Use the 'Spot Healing Brush' or 'Clone Stamp' to remove them. This is best done on a new layer for non-destructive editing, so you can undo mistakes easily.
Clean dust and scratches before applying overall retouching, like smoothing skin tones. For a group scan, do it early to avoid complicating later steps. This helps ensure the final image looks clear and professional.
Use the 'Healing Brush' or 'Clone Stamp' at low hardness and carefully match textures. Avoid overdoing it, which can soften or blur details. Zoom closely to see the areas you're working on to keep details sharp.
Overusing the healing tools or cloning too much, which can create unnatural patches or lose original textures. Always work on a new layer and compare with the original to keep a natural look.
Photo retouchers or digital archivists typically do this before delivering archival or family photos, ensuring they look pristine for clients or preservation.
AI tools can automate spotting dust and scratches, speeding up the process. However, they may sometimes miss subtle spots or create artifacts, so manual review and touch-up are still essential.
Cleaning dust is a preliminary step that makes further retouching cleaner. Once dust is gone, tasks like softening skin tone or fixing distracting backgrounds are easier and more effective, as they won't be confused with dust spots.