The key to a memorable self-portrait is to emphasize the eyes; there are times when simple adjustments to a photo can make a big difference. Photoshop makes it easy for you to make the eyes of your subjects look real and striking. If you don't want to use Actions to edit your photos, you can use either the Sharpen tool or the Burn/Dodge tool to make editing your eyes easier with any version of Photoshop.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using the Sharpen Tool
Step 1. Enlarge your photo
Use the magnify tool to enlarge your photo, focusing on one eye first. This will make it easier for you to focus on your work, and see every detail of the changes you make.
Step 2. Select the eyes using the magnetic lasso tool
The magnetic lasso tool is a selector feature that allows you to select the outermost outline of a shape, and will magnetically surround the image to create an even selection. This is much easier than using the regular lasso tool, because you don't have to draw perfect lines to select the entire eye. Click the magnetic lasso tool in your sidebar, then carefully select the outer outline of your iris (only the colored part of the eye).
Step 3. Feather your selection
The Feather tool allows you to blend the edited and unedited portions of a photo, so any changes you make don't sound harsh. You can find the feather tool on the layer tab in the menu bar above. Change the number in the feather box to '10' - you can play around with this number to see the effect you want.
Step 4. Select the unsharp mask tool
In the menu bar above, click the Filter tab, then scroll down to select the unsharp mask tool. This feature, although it sounds the opposite, is useful for sharpening irises and bringing out details and colors from photos. Once you click on it, you can assign settings to it. Change the radius to 3.6, and the threshold to 0. Then, move the slider from amount to the portion of sharpening you want. Play around with this until you get a result you like.
Remember not to overdo it; Sharpening the eyes too much will make the photo look unreal
Step 5. Adjust the contrast
The last thing to finish your project is to adjust the contrast. Select the contrast tool from the photo editing tab in the menu bar above, then adjust the slider (or change the number) to adjust the contrast. Minor changes make a big impact with this feature, so be careful not to overdo it.
Step 6. Repeat this step with the other eye, and use the same number/level as the previous eye
When you're done, zoom out to make sure your overall photo is better and doesn't look too cartoonish.
Step 7. Done
Method 2 of 2: Using Burn and Dodge Tools
Step 1. Duplicate the background layer
This will prevent you from making mistakes on the original photo. Select the Background Layer, then click 'Layer Menu' and click 'Duplicate Layer'. Rename Layer in the dialog box that appears, or simply click OK and the duplicate layer will be named Background copy. To make your work easier, rename the layer to “Eyes”.
Step 2. Zoom in on the eyes
Use the 'magnify' tool to zoom in on one of the eyes.
Step 3. Select the Dodge Tool from the Tools Panel on the right
The Dodge tool will help the eyes stand out, and lighten them up subtly.
Step 4. Change the Dodge tool settings
Before you use it, you need to provide the settings in the dialog box that appears. You will use the brush for the iris only (the colored part of the eye). Set the brush hardness to 10 percent, the 'range' to 'midtones', and the exposure to 20 percent.
Step 5. Use the dodge tool on the eyes
Gently work on the eyes, clicking on the colored part of your iris with the cursor using the dodge tool. Avoid the pupil (the black part of the eye that widens or contracts depending on the light). Notice the dodge tool makes your eyes lighter.
Step 6. Click on the 'Burn' tool
The 'Burn' tool is used to blacken the edges of an object. Right-click the Dodge button on the 'Tools' panel. A new window will open showing three other options. This time, choose Burn. The symbol will change to a hand.
Step 7. Change the settings of the 'burn' tool
Change the brush size. The size of the brush will depend on the size of the eye. Set the brush hardness to 10 percent, change the 'brush range' to 'shadows', and the exposure to 15 percent.
Step 8. Use the 'burn' tool on the edges of the iris
Click around the circumference of the pupil and iris to darken it and make it stand out. The brush will automatically create the effect you've set.
Step 9. Finish your photo
Repeat these steps on the second eye, making sure they match and match. Take the time to shrink your photo from time to time, to make sure the changes you make to the photo aren't too drastic.
