Best digital tools for creating hyper-realistic portraits in 2025?

I've been working on hyper-realistic portraits for a while now, and I can confidently say that Adobe Photoshop with the Kyle T. Webster brushes has been a game-changer for me. The brushes offer an incredible level of detail and customization. For layering techniques, I recommend using a combination of multiply and overlay layers to achieve depth in skin tones. As for AI-assisted tools, I've had great results with Luminar AI, which can enhance textures and lighting with just a few clicks. There's also a new plugin for Photoshop called "Realistic Portrait" that I've been experimenting with, and it's showing promising results. I'll be sharing a tutorial on my process soon, so stay tuned!

I've been following Wesley's advice on using Adobe Photoshop, and the Kyle T. Webster brushes are indeed fantastic. However, I've also been experimenting with Krita, which offers some amazing brush engines that can be just as effective. One thing that really makes a difference for me is using a combination of layer blending modes, as Wesley mentioned, but also playing around with the brush settings to achieve more nuanced textures. I've also tried Luminar AI, and while it's powerful, I find that it can sometimes overdo the effect. That being said, it's great for getting a quick starting point. I'm really curious about this new "Realistic Portrait" plugin for Photoshop, though - looking forward to Wesley's tutorial on it.

I have to say, while Photoshop and Kyle T. Webster brushes are undeniably solid choices, don’t underestimate the power of Procreate’s latest update this year—especially if you’re on an iPad. The new brush engine allows insane control over texture and pressure sensitivity, which really elevates skin pores and hair strands to a hyper-realistic level. Plus, Procreate’s layering system now supports custom blend modes that rival desktop apps, making it easier to experiment without slowing down your workflow.

Regarding AI tools, I get the appeal of Luminar AI and similar plugins, but they often feel like shortcuts that risk losing the artist’s touch. My approach is to use AI as a subtle helper—like for initial lighting or texture suggestions—but then dive back into manual refinement. Nothing beats patience and layering for that realistic vibe. Also, check out the "Realistic Portrait" plugin Wesley mentioned; I’ve tested the beta, and it’s promising but still needs more manual tweaking to avoid the “plastic” look AI sometimes produces.

If you want tutorials, I recommend looking up Aaron Blaise’s recent videos—his insights on lighting and anatomy still beat a lot of automated tools out there. And please, don’t just chase the newest tech blindly; true realism always comes from mastering fundamentals and thoughtful layering.

Thanks for the detailed breakdown, @jasminejames9! Your points about Procreate’s latest update are spot-on—I hadn’t considered how much the new brush engine could refine textures like skin pores. The balance you strike with AI tools is exactly what I’m after: using them as aids, not crutches. I’ll definitely check out the "Realistic Portrait" plugin, though your warning about the "plastic" look resonates—manual tweaking seems essential.

Aaron Blaise’s tutorials are a great call; I’ve admired his work for years. Your emphasis on fundamentals over shortcuts really aligns with my approach. This discussion has given me a clearer path forward, so I appreciate your insights!

Love the way this thread is shaping up—so many thoughtful insights! @elizahill85, your openness to balancing AI with manual work is refreshing. Too many artists either reject tech entirely or lean on it too hard, and that middle ground is where the magic happens. Procreate’s update really is a game-changer—I’ve been obsessing over the way it handles subtle skin textures lately. But like @jasminejames9 said, plugins can’t replace the nuance of a hand-tuned brushstroke.

Aaron Blaise’s tutorials are gold, but have you tried Sinix Design’s anatomy breakdowns on YouTube? His approach to simplifying complex forms before diving into details totally transformed how I tackle portraits. Also, if you’re into texture, don’t sleep on custom brush sets from artists like Loish—they’re worth every penny.

Keep us posted on your progress! Would love to see how your work evolves with these tools.

Oh, this thread is such a breath of fresh air! @addisonrichardson, I couldn’t agree more about Sinix Design—his anatomy breakdowns are *chef’s kiss*. The way he distills complex forms into digestible shapes is pure genius, and it’s exactly what I needed when I was struggling with portrait proportions last year. His videos feel like a masterclass in seeing, not just drawing.

And don’t even get me started on Loish’s brushes—I splurged on her set last year, and it was worth every cent. The way her textures mimic traditional media while keeping that digital flexibility is unreal. Though, I’ll admit, I still prefer a mix of her brushes and some gritty, handmade ones I’ve tweaked myself. There’s something about the imperfections in a custom brush that AI just can’t replicate.

Also, @elizahill85, if you’re diving into hyper-realism, don’t skip studying classical paintings. The way Rembrandt handled skin tones or the subtle transitions in a Sargent portrait? That’s where the real magic is. Tech can get you 90% there, but the last 10% is all about that human touch. Keep us updated—I’m invested now!

@emiliajones89, I completely agree with you about Sinix Design's anatomy breakdowns being a game-changer. I've been a fan of his work for a while now, and the way he simplifies complex forms is indeed genius. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes when you're able to break down the underlying structure of a portrait. Loish's brushes are also top-notch; I've experimented with them, and they do bring a wonderful organic feel to digital work. That said, I've also found that blending her brushes with custom, handmade ones adds a layer of depth that's hard to achieve otherwise. Studying classical paintings, as you suggested to @elizahill85, is invaluable – there's so much to learn from masters like Rembrandt and Sargent. Their techniques are timeless, and it's that human touch that makes a piece truly come alive.

@leonardomartinez68, you hit the nail on the head with Sinix Design—his breakdowns are *exactly* what I needed when I was stuck in the "muddy details" phase of portraits. That moment when you realize the underlying structure is just a few simple shapes? Life-changing. And yes, Loish’s brushes are fantastic, but I’ve found that mixing them with some rough, textured brushes I made from scanned charcoal strokes gives that extra grit. It’s like adding a pinch of salt to a dish—subtle but essential.

As for classical study, I’m obsessed with Sargent’s loose, confident strokes. There’s a rawness in his work that feels alive, and that’s what digital tools often miss. I’ve been experimenting with AI-assisted texture refinement lately, but honestly? Nothing beats the chaos of a handmade brush. Keep pushing that blend of old and new—it’s where the magic happens.