The Midas Retouch
Retouching is the process by which software is used to manipulate an image. This can be anything from removing a blemish to completely transforming the original image. Below is an example of an image I shot last year that ended up being a top ten finalist in the Shoot the Frame international photo competition (www.shoottheframe.com). As you can see, this is example uses very heavy handed retouching in order to achieve a surreal, absurd look. Obviously, this is NOT the same “basic retouching” that comes with your headshot session. 😉
Basic retouching involves the following:
– Brightening
– Color correction
– Sharpening
– Skin softening
– Brightening the eyes
– Teeth whitening
– Brightening
– Color correction
– Sharpening
– Skin softening
– Brightening the eyes
– Teeth whitening
High definition is mean!!! Though the file sizes and the clarity DSLRs (digital cameras) can provide is very exciting, they can also be very unforgiving. The reality is, nobody can see what these incredible cameras can see… not casting directors, not anyone! They pick up every pore, every hair, and every little imperfection. Below is a before and after example of basic retouching.