How to Use Frequency Separation in Affinity Photo

Edited 1 month ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Affinity PhotoFrequency SeparationSkin RetouchingImage EditingPortrait PhotographyPhoto EnhancementGraphic DesignDigital ArtMac SoftwareAdvanced Techniques

Using frequency separation in Affinity Photo is a powerful technique to enhance your photo editing skills. This method is especially useful in retouching skin in portrait photography. In this guide, we will show you how to improve your images using frequency separation, especially to maintain texture and smoothness without losing quality. We will try to make it simple and comprehensive so that you can follow it easily.

Understanding frequency separation

Frequency separation helps you separate textures from colors in an image. It splits the image into two layers: one that holds high-frequency details, such as skin texture or hair, and another layer that holds low-frequency colors and tones. This separation allows you to edit textures and tones separately without them interfering with each other.

Basics of frequency separation

In simple terms, frequency separation works by creating two duplicates of the image you want to edit and applying blur to one of the layers to remove the texture but retain the colors. The other layer retains the detailed texture but in grayscale form. By combining these two images, you get full control over editing the texture without affecting the colors and vice versa.

Steps to use frequency separation in Affinity Photo

Now, let's take a look at the step-by-step process of performing frequency separation in Affinity Photo:

Step 1: Open your image

Start by launching Affinity Photo and loading the image you want to use frequency separation on. To do this, follow these steps:

• Go to File and click Open.
• Select the image file from your computer that you want to edit.

Step 2: Copy the layers

Next, you need to replicate your original image in two separate layers. These layers will form the basis of the frequency separation:

• Select your image layer. Press Ctrl/Cmd + J twice to create two duplicates of your original layer. You'll see a total of three layers: the original and two duplicates.
• Rename these layers for organization. You can name them "Low Frequency" (for the blurred version) and "High Frequency" (for the detailed version).

Step 3: Apply Gaussian Blur

Now, apply a Gaussian Blur to the "Low Frequency" layer. This step will help to remove the texture and keep only the color and tone:

• Select the "Low Frequency" layer.
• Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur...
• To blur the layer, adjust the Radius slider enough so that the texture disappears but the colors remain. The value may vary depending on your image resolution, but it's advisable to start with a value around 5-10 pixels.
• Click Apply to apply the changes.

Step 4: Remove the high frequency

In this step, you will extract high frequency details (texture) from the original image:

• Select the "High Frequency" layer.
• Go to Layer > New Live Filter Layer > Apply Image….
• Set the “Low Frequency” layer as the source layer.
• Select a blending mode for subtraction from the dropdown list.
• Set the Scale to 2 and the Offset to 128. These settings help separate details from colors.
• Click Apply.

Step 5: Set the blending mode

The final configuration involves blending the layers so that they all contribute to recreating the original image, with the potential for individual edits:

• Change the blend mode of the "High Frequency" layer to Linear Light.
• By doing so, you'll see that your image looks as close as possible to the original, and is ready for sophisticated editing.

Editing layers

Edit the "Low Frequency" layer

Since the low frequency layer is dedicated to colors and tones, you can use it to smooth out colors and adjust tonality:

• Select the "Low Frequency" layer.
• You can use the Healing Brush Tool or the Cloning Tool to remove blemishes and imperfections.

When editing, be careful not to change the general look too much. Subtle adjustments often produce the most natural results.

Edit the "High Frequency" layer

For the "High Frequency" layer, you'll only work with the texture:

• Select the "High Frequency" layer.
• Use the Clone Tool or Patch Tool to fix any texture issues.

When working on this layer, make sure you maintain the natural texture for realism. Avoid overusing tools that can create artificial effects.

Refining frequency separation

Review your work carefully to ensure that your frequency separation process is fully refined. Use the zoom to take a closer look at the effects of your edits. Compare with the original image if necessary and make adjustments as needed.

Practical Tips

• Zoning: Work on smaller sections, such as the forehead, cheeks or chin, separately to focus precisely on specific areas.
• Brush settings: Adjust the size and hardness of your brush according to the area you're editing. Softer brushes for larger areas, harder, smaller brushes for detailed work.
• Layer Opacity: Control the intensity of editing by adjusting layer opacity rather than directly altering the artwork, especially on high frequency layers.
• Non-destructive workflow: Always work in a way that you can reverse changes if necessary—this includes the use of masks and adjustment layers.

Conclusion

Frequency separation is an amazing technique used by photographers and retouchers to have full control over the physical features and tonal characteristics of an image. The steps outlined here will give you a solid foundation, but practice and experimentation play a key role in mastering it. With these skills, you will be able to create exceptionally polished images while retaining the natural beauty of the subject. Remember, the goal is to enhance and not alter excessively, maintaining authenticity in every edit. Enjoy editing with Affinity Photo!

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