frequency separation

As a commercial photographer who's watched Capture One evolve, I'm continually impressed by how the software has reduced my reliance on Photoshop. The healing tools have improved significantly, but there's still an opportunity to elevate retouching capabilities, particularly for complex edits that require nuanced control.

What I'm proposing is a frequency separation method that fits seamlessly into Capture One's workflow. Unlike the current healing brush which operates non-destructively, I'm envisioning patches that function more simply and cleanly, similar to the way the brush tool works on masks. The existing brush tool could actually serve as an excellent starting point for developing this feature, potentially implemented alongside a new patch tool.

In my current process, I use advanced techniques like PHP (patch-heal-paint) to achieve precise skin retouching, but implementing a softer, more integrated approach within C1 would be transformative. I'm not looking for a complete pixel-level editor, but rather a smart solution that allows photographers to split image frequencies and make targeted adjustments.

The ideal implementation would be a tool that enables separation of low and high-frequency layers, allowing photographers to smooth skin tones while preserving texture, all within the raw editing environment. A soft, feathered patch healing method could provide the level of control needed for commercial and portrait work, making complex retouching more streamlined and intuitive.

This isn't about replicating Photoshop entirely, but about bringing a more sophisticated, workflow-integrated approach to advanced image refinement directly within Capture One.