[Definition] Retouch

[byRo]

Although I haven't posted here in some time, I've been mulling.

Trying to eliminate the specifics, and leave just the fundamental - I came up with this....

To alter an image, in accordance with the client's instructions, in such a way that the image produced shows no visible signs of being altered.

The wording may still be a bit clumsy, but I think the central idea comes through.
I'll post this at the start of the thread, but all suggestions are very welcome.

Rô

[Mike]

If you are talking about an old photo that has been damaged or whatever, then retouching is what we do, however if it is a portrait that I have just taken and the subject is looking at it with me, we NEVER retouch, we always ENHANCE.

To have to retouch means that there is something wrong with the subject. To enhance means that we are just going to make the subject look better than they already do!

I realize that the above has nothing to do with what you are talking about, just thought I would throw a little garbage into the game

Mike

[byRo]

Originally Posted by Mike

I realize that the above has nothing to do with what you are talking about, just thought I would throw a little garbage into the game

No problem , that's what this thread is all about, Mike.
And the reason that it exists is that the exact word that is central to this site can mean different things to different folks.

I can see your point, enhance is a nicer way to describe the process to a client (even more so if the subject of the image IS the client).
But on the other hand, I could argue that the work that you will do is actually a retouch. So it would follow that, in a community of fellow retouchers, we don't need to be so nice with each other (although, thankfully, we usually are!)

Likewise the term "enhance" (which is on the glossary wish list) will usually mean (to us around here) a more general adjustment to the image - less focused on wrinkles, spots and creases.

Comments?

Rô

[Mike]

Usually when I am showing the client the image, it has not been printed yet so creases, spots or whatever are not a factor. So we enhance that good looking subject to make it look just a little bet better!

But I agree, when we are talking within ourselves, then retouch is a much more understood term that has been in use for a great many years. In fact we some of our customers use the term "retouch." And they seem to know what they mean by it when they are talking about their faces.

However when customers bring me an old print to work on, they usually do not use the term retouch instead they seem to not know what to call it, so I get terms like "magic" or "whatever you do to make it look good".

Anyway, nice thread.....