Problem
Non-uniform scaling stretches faces and makes expressions look distorted.
Solution
Root Cause / Diagnostic:
Transforming portrait layers without locking aspect ratios (stretching horizontally or vertically by even 5%–10%) alters anatomical skull geometry. Viewers immediately detect subconscious facial deformity, inducing an unsettling, amateur impression.
Actionable Fix:
1. Lock aspect ratio constraints (maintain 1:1 proportional scaling) during all Free Transform operations by holding Shift or ensuring the link icon is active.
2. Check transform scale percentages in the options bar to verify that Width and Height percentages match exactly (e.g., W: 115%, H: 115%).
3. Inspect facial proportions against the original raw photograph to ensure natural jaw, nose, and eye ratios remain intact.
Pro Tip:
Never scale a face non-proportionally; even a 3% horizontal squeeze triggers the "uncanny valley" effect, causing viewers to swipe past in discomfort.
Transforming portrait layers without locking aspect ratios (stretching horizontally or vertically by even 5%–10%) alters anatomical skull geometry. Viewers immediately detect subconscious facial deformity, inducing an unsettling, amateur impression.
Actionable Fix:
1. Lock aspect ratio constraints (maintain 1:1 proportional scaling) during all Free Transform operations by holding Shift or ensuring the link icon is active.
2. Check transform scale percentages in the options bar to verify that Width and Height percentages match exactly (e.g., W: 115%, H: 115%).
3. Inspect facial proportions against the original raw photograph to ensure natural jaw, nose, and eye ratios remain intact.
Pro Tip:
Never scale a face non-proportionally; even a 3% horizontal squeeze triggers the "uncanny valley" effect, causing viewers to swipe past in discomfort.