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Flawless skin retouching is an art—one that can transform a good image into something extraordinary. In this new two-session online webinar, Photographer Gabriel Isak reveals the essential tools and techniques used across the industry to achieve natural, professional-level skin retouching. Using Adobe Photoshop, one of the most powerful editing platforms available, Gabriel walks you through his step-by-step process, sharing the methods and mindset that bring his images to life.
In the first session, Gabriel begins by developing the image in Camera Raw, laying the groundwork for a compelling final result. From there, he demonstrates essential skin retouching techniques—cleaning up both the skin and background with the Healing Brush and Clone Stamp tools. Then it’s on to one of the most powerful methods in a retoucher’s toolkit: dodge and burn. Gabriel breaks down how professionals use this subtle yet transformative technique to sculpt and even out skin tone. He also shares smart, efficient ways to stay organized and edit non-destructively so your workflow stays clean and your layers stay manageable. To close out day one, he turns his focus to makeup, enhancing and refining the details to make it pop.
The second session picks up where the first leaves off, as Gabriel wraps up the skin work and moves into color and mood. He demonstrates how carefully layered tonal adjustments and selective masking can bring depth, emotion, and atmosphere to an image. Then comes the creative push: he uses the Liquify tool to add a more graphic feel and follows with sharpening techniques to prepare the image for high-quality output. To finish, Gabriel walks through blending strategies and banding removal to ensure a smooth, professional-grade result.
Gabriel wraps each session with a Q&A, offering space to ask questions and refine your skills in real time. His clear, thoughtful approach to skin retouching breaks down the process, helping you create portraits that are clean, intentional, and professionally finished.
Basic computer skills are required, along with the ability to download and edit images using photo editing software. Experience with Adobe Photoshop is expected.
View Withdrawal and Transfer Policies for online programs.
Recording class sessions using personal devices or third-party tools is not permitted. Session recordings are provided by Santa Fe Workshops and are available to enrolled students for two months after the class. This policy helps protect the intellectual property and privacy of both instructors and students.
Gabriel Isak was born in 1990 in Sweden. In 2016, he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.
Gabriel has exhibited his work in solo exhibitions around the world, including See+ Gallery in Shenzhen, Galerie XII in Shanghai, Paris, and Los Angeles, Up on Walls in Hjo, Sweden, and at Falsterbo Photo Art Museum in Sweden, where his work is held in their permanent collection. His works have been included in various notable exhibitions, including “Acclimatize” at the Museum of Modern Art, Stockholm, Sweden; “Culture Pop” at M Contemporary, Sydney, Australia; “Camera Obscura” at Last Rites Gallery in New York, USA; and at “Florence Biennale 2025” in Italy.
Gabriel’s surreal photography has earned him several awards, including Presidents, Lorenzo Il Magnifico Award at the Florence Biennale, 2025, where he was invited as the guest of honor. Current Finalist in Hasselblad Masters 2026, Winner in PX3 Prix de la Photographie 2024, 1st place winner in Fine Art Photography Awards, Finalist in Hasselblad Masters 2023, and in 2018 he received PDN Emerging Photography Award.
His work has been published in many prestigious platforms such as Harpers Bazaar, Elle, Architectural Digest, VICE, and Hi Fructose magazine. Gabriel travels around the world for personal and commissioned projects. His home is in Stockholm, Sweden.
Website: gabrielisak.com
Instagram: @gabriel_isak