Photo Retouching - - High-end digital retoucher in NYC - Page 4

RooB · #46 10-11-2005, 05:40 PM

I consider myself a photo-mechanic-- not retoucher-- because I fix problems, change parts, do a little tuning, a few upgrades, and do the occasional overhaul, and I don't have much to do with retouching as it stands.

As for the recognition-- I don't know, recognition is nice because it does boost business, but what photographer or model really wants it known that they needed "work"? Retouchers are the unsung heros and sidekicks of photography, often saving the day, but never getting the kudos for it. I don't expect it to ever change.

Personally, I think there's a lot more recognition in low/mid-end work than there ever could be in high-end work. If you want the big money and the big jobs, I guess you have to forego the recognition. But I do dislike the high-end industry for this "I'll hire you but you don't exist" attitude.

I like low-mid end work because it provides a nice balance between work and play, there is recognition, and there's no stress factor or definitive deadlines. I've been approached by a couple of high-end photographers, but when they've given me samples I've purposely sabotaged the returns just so they would look elsewhere and I wouldn't have to look like a jerk by saying, "Look somewhere else." I'm far from a Flora or a heyrad in my work (they are awesome), and I do aspire to reach that level of detail and mastery, but at the same time I've no ambition to enter the same arena. I want to someday be the "photo arts master" living in the quaint village.

shellby · #47 10-12-2005, 06:47 AM

I will keep at it. I spend a lot of my spare time retouching and I am using that dodge and burn method now

Hope to get better and better at it. I would actually like to work on some images that have a bit more atmosphere to them. I have been in contact with a photographer based in LA who needs some retouching - so I will keep you all posted.

I aspire to work on high-end fashion and beauty shots. The reason for this may be that I am a keen amature photographer myself and can think of nothing better than working on stunning images all day!

Thanks so much for the tips and advise!

snook305 · #48 10-21-2005, 04:55 PM

This is the exact reason why I am Shooting and retouching. And I agree with the retouchers to an extent.
The picture is a TEAM finished product. Model/H&M/Photographer/Art direction if any/Retoucher etc...
Just couriuos what people my think of my stuff. Check out my site.
Shelby, I agree that some sort of Blur median technique happens. Depends on how painted and cloned you have made the Skin.
I do all my retouching on my pictures on my site..>>
http://homepage.mac.com/ekphotography/2005/
For the exact reason as to not be Dependent on ANYBODY except myself..
No offense to the pure retouchers. We could not live with out you.. But I prefer to atleast know what I am doing to some extent.
Dropping out backgrounds and Building backgrounds is not my cup of tea.. You lose me there, But basic Color and retouching should be known by almost all photographers.
People like steven miesel who have million dollar post crew working with him are not going to run crying the picture is theres b/c they retouched it...
On that high level, You may be easily replaced!!

E:K:

http://homepage.mac.com/ekphotography/2005/

snook305 · #49 10-21-2005, 05:00 PM

Maybe you could share some more stuff. Like how a lot of people are getting that Ghetto look for most rappers. Like desaturated then painted back in stuff.. You know how to do that.. I guess like the dragan look?
Thanks, for anymore tips..

E:K:

shellby · #50 10-22-2005, 04:27 AM

Stunning images, really nice.

When I was at school I actually wanted to do photography. I ended up doing a graphic design course instead because in Durban (South Africa) the photography course at the Technicon was far to expensive. I have been in the UK now for 5 years and I do photography as a hobby - still waiting to get an image published in a photography mag!

Retouching is now my speciality, however I am still drawn to the photographic side.

Caitlin · #51 10-22-2005, 04:42 AM

snook305, really stunning images, and nicely retouched too... (ie. undetectable)

snook305 · #52 10-22-2005, 10:31 AM

Thank a lot...
Hope Conrad comes back for some more tips!!

NancyJ · #53 10-23-2005, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snook305

Maybe you could share some more stuff. Like how a lot of people are getting that Ghetto look for most rappers. Like desaturated then painted back in stuff.. You know how to do that.. I guess like the dragan look?
Thanks, for anymore tips..

E:K:

Do mean this sort of thing?

Its quite easy, 2 layers, original/retouched colour version and a desaturated layer, overlay the colour with soft light and adjust the opacity to your tastes.

snook305 · #54 10-23-2005, 10:39 AM

Nancy That must the Basics to begin, But check out some others. They are much more "Satiny" looking and the colors POP hard.
I just posted in another forum, That I do not understand that almost all RAP and Hip Hop Promos and albums are using this technique. Plus A LOT of movie labels use this technique, HOWEVER no one seems to pick up on the threads on it or "Know" how to do it. Is it that "BIG" of a secret.
For example DRAGAN style. That has Popped up on every forum from here to timbuktoo... And No one has really gotten that close in my mind

Well me must just be patient I guess and it will come out.
Andre Dragan mentions tweaking around with the blue channel etc.. And there are several actions, But none really come that close at all.
Ofcourse Composition wardrobe, lighting etc.. Are a big Factor.
But how are those skin tones accomplished... That is the Million dollar question I guess.
Looks Good Nancy, But it is missing a lot at the same time. They are not just simply desaturated.
They are desaturated, replacing and modifying several color channels.
Plus adding a "gleem" to the skin!!
Thanks and let's keep trying!
SN@@K

snook305 · #55 10-23-2005, 10:43 AM

Plus Nothing is QUITE EASY in the world of PS in my mind and I have been using it for about 10 years now.. And Lately all the time due to digital advance.
It is quite easy to add a layer and desaturated. That is easy, It is the next steps that are the KEY.

Thanks again Nancy
Sn@@k

NancyJ · #56 10-23-2005, 11:59 AM

Got any example pics? I'm not a rap fan...would love to see what you're talking about and properly recreate it.

snook305 · #57 10-23-2005, 04:27 PM

Nancy Check this site out..
http://www.llreps.com/
or
http://www.fiscusphoto.com/

Any of the photographers but check the first one out. Sacha.
If you d not know the look then I'll find some more

That ought to keep you busy for a while...

Snook

NancyJ · #58 10-23-2005, 05:10 PM

hmm, I guess I'm just not seeing it, I looked at the sites you posted but I dont see what you're looking for...

snook305 · #59 10-23-2005, 06:12 PM

Are you seriuos?

What your not seeing is one of the Hottest retouching going on. You cannot see the Skin tones and Semi Cartoony effect to the pictures..
Are you wearing your glasses today..

Hhahaha
Well try this site also.
http://andrzejdragan.com/

There "nothing" to see there also..

Sn@@k

NancyJ · #60 10-24-2005, 01:31 AM

Sorry, still not seeing what you're getting at. Certainlky not seeing any cartoonyness - and for the record, I have perfect vision :P
I've been to Ragan's site before, not a fan personally, to me all I see is strong lighting and a sharp focus, probably a macro lense which can be from the camera or added in photoshop later, probably a bit of both. Theres a tutorial floating around somewhere about painting with light.
Perhaps if you explained what you feel is so special about them that might help. A before and after shot would help too

Without before shots its nigh on impossible to tell whats retouching and whats just good photography.