Photo Retouching - - High-end digital retoucher in NYC - Page 2

heyrad · #16 09-23-2005, 11:15 AM

I don't use a Gray layer when I've got my D&B set... It replaces the need for a gray layer. Although... A gray layer can replace my DARKEN/LIGHTEN curves for those who like useing the overlay method..

Now, as for the credits. There are a few mags(mostly European) that will give the retoucher credit and that's wonderful. Don't see it here too much. In regards to art buying and retouching. I don't believe in asking for something that i dont deserve. If a photographer sits with me and directs me to his final vision, then that's fine... it's his work. HOWEVER, about 35% of the time a photographer will simply ask me to perform "MAGIC" on his/her image... and that's when it gets mirky because the photo then becomes MY interpretation and thus credit should be due. I was talking to a French collegue recently and he was talking about Pascal over at Box and how he's trying to get rights to images. He's way over the top anyway, has more money than God and turns away people because it's a Tuesday and hasn't had his coffee yet(this is all rumor, not necessarily fact).

This new organization would have to have some influential people in it to work. Remember... right now i'm the little elf in the dark room, Michael Thompson and Steven Miesel don't have my home phone numbers(yet) and leverage is the key to any successful coup... So I plan and strategize and wait to pounce. Glad to know I've got some brave soldiers like yourself lying in wait

Cassidy · #17 09-23-2005, 12:24 PM

hey guys, tips and clues well appreciated by many I'd think. So thanks

Cassidy · #18 09-23-2005, 12:32 PM

Heyrad, other than all else, classy stuff

cricket1961 · #19 09-23-2005, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyrad

I don't use a Gray layer when I've got my D&B set... It replaces the need for a gray layer. Although... A gray layer can replace my DARKEN/LIGHTEN curves for those who like useing the overlay method..

Now, as for the credits. There are a few mags(mostly European) that will give the retoucher credit and that's wonderful. Don't see it here too much. In regards to art buying and retouching. I don't believe in asking for something that i dont deserve. If a photographer sits with me and directs me to his final vision, then that's fine... it's his work. HOWEVER, about 35% of the time a photographer will simply ask me to perform "MAGIC" on his/her image... and that's when it gets mirky because the photo then becomes MY interpretation and thus credit should be due. I was talking to a French collegue recently and he was talking about Pascal over at Box and how he's trying to get rights to images. He's way over the top anyway, has more money than God and turns away people because it's a Tuesday and hasn't had his coffee yet(this is all rumor, not necessarily fact).

This new organization would have to have some influential people in it to work. Remember... right now i'm the little elf in the dark room, Michael Thompson and Steven Miesel don't have my home phone numbers(yet) and leverage is the key to any successful coup... So I plan and strategize and wait to pounce. Glad to know I've got some brave soldiers like yourself lying in wait

Conrad

Hmmm. They(and a few others) do have my cell number. Not nice that they do always : )
Pascal works much differently then us. He has contracts with everyone, most especially with the Photographers. He really does have the rights to many many things, and for this reason, Mario Testino and others are shopping around for new retouchers. They are starting to dislike his style of look and want to have their own shine through.I have meetings set up with many to get their work in here. Fingers crossed. Luckily I have done a lot of work for them already.

I think we can make it work. Just need to get it started.

Chris

byRo · #20 09-23-2005, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyrad

I constantly see credits going out to stylists, hair, makeup and often times their assistants, but NEVER do you see credits to the retoucher. The retoucher NEVER gets the credit ....

I'd say there's a Catch-22 situation in there somewhere.

Not sure exactly, but when things like this happen it's often because it's the logic that runs that way. (and saying "Catch-22 situation" makes you look fiendishly clever

).

Something like... if you are a really good retoucher and you get your name associated with an image, then that'll end up meaning that the original photographer could be (or was) crap. BUT, this is the guy that's paying you the money.

go figure......

Rô

Cassidy · #21 09-23-2005, 12:46 PM

copyright is a dark doormouse, as of maybe 5 years ago, a 15% difference in the graphic content in Australia consituted a claim for copyright. Maybe different now, maybe different elsewhere also. Was attached to artwork, but heck, define artwork

heyrad · #22 09-23-2005, 01:00 PM

Wow, sounds like I might have stirred up a hornet's nest

The perfect example of our industry and the pros that make those images look so amazing and transparent is similar to the CIA lobby.. all those "unknown" operatives who died in the line of duty who's lives were reduced to a single, anonymous star on a wall. Maybe we're a noble breed, like the Samurai of old who don't seek recognition, fame or wealth but study the art and devote their lives to an ideal....

What the hell am I talking about? I livei in friggin New York City!!! Somebody stop me already

Chris....

We need to talk

-conrad

Cassidy · #23 09-23-2005, 01:02 PM

ribs are breaking here, yes you have opened a hornet's nest, lol, rolfmao here

Cassidy · #24 09-23-2005, 01:04 PM

despite all else, thanks for your sharing....however, if I can get you alone, m going to hijack you for jewellery retouching, lol

heyrad · #25 09-23-2005, 01:17 PM

Sounds hot Cassidy....

Doug Nelson · #26 09-23-2005, 01:53 PM

Interesting d/b technique. Something like this? (see attached, drag folder to working image of any rez).

Loverly · #27 09-23-2005, 02:06 PM

Picking up all the retouching tid bit crumbs here!
Yummy! YUMMY!

Good brain food!

Loverly

P.S.Heyrad and Chris keep the "trade secrets coming"!

heyrad · #28 09-23-2005, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Nelson

Interesting d/b technique. Something like this? (see attached, drag folder to working image of any rez).

Hi Doug... Yup.. that's essentially it. The rest is up to you. It's not much different than the gray layer d&b technique, but i've added some helpful hints to make the job a bit easier..

As for the trade secrets... I'm sure Chris(being Italian like myself) will agree that we COULD share more, but then we'd have to kill you....

-Don Corrado(conrad)

Loverly · #29 09-23-2005, 02:39 PM

hmmmm or maybe we could all just be retouching slaves instead of you killing us?

(we are not worthy)
Think about all that power!

PLEEeeeeeease????????????????

Loverly

mseydel · #30 09-23-2005, 11:13 PM

This may be considered heresy, but retouching is a craft, not really an art. It can come close sometimes, but our task is to make someone else's work look even better. The job of retouching has plenty of exciting challenges and rewards, but there will be few clients who will want to recognize you with more than a thanks and a check.

I agree with the dodge and burn by channels method being one of the most efficient methods for skin edits. Reality is richer than the imagination; skin detail can be faked relatively easily, but seldom is it done in a convincing way. However, client taste varies...what works for Clairol may horrify an art director at Vogue...