Shade Like a Monkey

I made this tutorial because, as far as I know, I skin shade in ways that are pretty different from everyone else’s methods. Feel free to share any edits you make using this method here! ^_^

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**For both the dodge and burn tool I would recommend staying at around 6-10% Exposure**

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Step 1: Light Source
The most important thing is to identify your light source in the picture. Does it come from somewhere in the picture or not? In this screenshot, the light comes from the lighthouse, which is behind my model. However, there is also a bit of light facing directly at the model. (Usually, night shots are easiest to identify where the light is coming from)

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Step 2: Dodge
Once you have identified your light source, take your dodge tool and go over the areas on your model where the light will be directly hitting. In my case, the light will be cast on her left (our right) side most directly. I also did some highlighting on right side, as it still will be illuminated, and her chest and abdomen to define them a little more. I tend to set the dodge tool too “Highlight” for skin-shading, but it’s just about preference.

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Step 3: Keep on Trucking
Continue going over the areas that the light will be hitting and any areas that you want to be defined.

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Step 4: Face
Normally, for the face it’s best to draw attention to the features. Highlight anything that needs to be defined, remembering to keep in mind the light source. In this case, the left side of her face will be brighter than the rest of it.

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Step 5: Burn
For shading, you’ll need to use the burn tool. This is where you go over the areas that will not be in direct light, or the areas that are blocked from light. You should also use it to further define the areas you highlighted. Basically, you do what you did for highlighting but now in shaded areas. For example, my model’s right leg is father away from the light, and will therefore be more shadowed.

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Step 6: Fine Details
Don’t be afraid to zoom in to specific parts of your model and really define the features. Especially during sunset or night photos, the shadows and highlights will be exaggerated due to the contrast of light and dark. (My picture is zoomed out so you can see the results)

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Final
Now you’re done! You can do whatever else you want with your picture. Maybe you’ll even use dodge and burn to detail other parts of your picture; I do because I’m too lazy to properly shadow. If you need quick definition or have trouble with the mess that can be created by other skin shading (when you blur and it goes everywhere) then this method will work like a charm. (Normally, it takes me 5 to 10 minutes to skin shade depending on how drastic the lighting is)

Some other examples:
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