I've been retouching professionally for about 14 years. Most of the work I do is commercial product photography and automobiles. I would like to break into the fashion industry, but am having a hard time about it.

How does one break into the fashion/glamour/beauty industry? Should I contact photographers directly or advertising agencies? And are these people comfortable working remotely or do they prefer you work in their office/studio?

Also, where can I get photos to work on for practice?

You need to find up and coming Fashion and Beauty photographers who are test shooting. They usually don't mind letting you use their images in your portfolio if you are prepared to retouch for free. Try www.whoistesting.com

Other people you could try are models wanting their portfolios retouched.

Keep us posted.