Specific Schools for Fashion Retouching

rockability · #1 04-13-2008, 04:14 PM

Hi there,

I've used the search feature, the FAQ, and browsed the site and I can't quite find the exact answer to my question(s), so forgive me if I'm starting a repeat topic.

I am a professional photographer who does mainly portraits, but more on the private side (families, kids, etc.) Occasionally I have done some commercial work for clothing companies and the like.

The more I get into photoshop (because you're always learning new things), the more I realize that I really have a passion for retouching portraits. I've decided I would really like to look into getting into that specialized field, but I'm not quite sure where to start education wise.

Obviously there are great books, online tutorials and forums out there. What I'm wanting to know is where would one look into applying to go to school specifically for fashion retouching? Is there such a thing? Most programs I've come across seem to be either full out photography programs with some photoshop added, or more in the field of a general art degree. Because of my solid background in photoshop and photography, am I off base to believe a four year degree may not be necessary and I could move more quickly into specialized training for simply retouching?

Any tips or information on where to start looking for such a program would be much appreciated. I've checked out the websites of a few schools (FIT, RIT, and ACCD among others) and haven't come across such a program yet.

Thank you!

rockability · #2 04-13-2008, 04:17 PM

I'll also add that I am in Canada, but willing to relocate for school.

Insensitive. · #3 04-13-2008, 04:28 PM

Great topic! I'd like to know too.

smak · #4 04-13-2008, 06:18 PM

Maybe you could hire a private tutor who is very experienced in Retouching. Couldn't cost much compared to years of college tuition. That along with certain books (Eismann), tutorials and forums, you could learn a lot.

nevie · #5 04-13-2008, 06:21 PM

I go to RIT and they don't have a specific retouching program but they offer retouching classes. I am currently in some and they are great. Its more about being efficient and retouching well then simply regarding one specific topic. I am in the visual media program which is photography with a focus like graphic design or printing so its more rounded. A lot of the non- shooting courses are really nice too. Just thought I would elaborate more on the RIT subject, I don't think the website does it justice. You might want to look at Brooks, they are more specified with there shooting courses but I don't know about retouching.

zganie · #6 04-14-2008, 03:25 AM

I think its the type of business where you really have to try and get in somewhere,But the catch is you have to at least show some profiency and some promise

Just my opinion
zganie

Rhasval · #7 04-14-2008, 08:31 AM

Hi Rockability, I think this is going to make your day. Here is what you are looking for just to star learning. Of course, as Zgane pointed out it is not just about techniques but how you are able to apply them and how much you have worked with them:
http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=566

diggnikon · #8 04-14-2008, 09:18 AM

A Uni in france does the course in digital and you can major in retouching , although i think if your willing to relocate and study - id look at internships with companies like taylor james in london .

hunt down Mike Ruiz in New York and see if you can do an internship with him maybe as his digital work is really progressive

Markzebra · #9 04-14-2008, 01:59 PM

Theres just too much competition for Taylor James, they used to offer low waged "trainee" positions, but haven't heard of that for years now. You wont get the time of day, the guy thats the production manager BH gets 100's of people expressing an interest and sadly lost any interest in even being polite.

Make sure you are listening to someone who's work you can SEE and respect and can teach you something - there are a great many so called tutors and books actually teaching at a beginners level, and great deal of very BAD advice out there. Most people learn by doing it.

rockability · #10 04-14-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smak

Maybe you could hire a private tutor who is very experienced in Retouching. Couldn't cost much compared to years of college tuition. That along with certain books (Eismann), tutorials and forums, you could learn a lot.

This is a great idea and one I've seriously considered, although I would then lose the ability to get any scholarships or student loans. I'm not sure whether those are necessary yet but I hope it stays a viable option!

nevie - Thank you for that information on RIT. Perhaps I'll do some phoning and see what they have to say.

Rhasval - THANK YOU for that link! Looks like a fun thing to start with to actually just at least get going on something while I'm researching.

diggnikon - I hear of Mike Ruiz alot. Thanks for mentioning that avenue.

Markzebra - I completely agree about learning by doing and I know I'm going to have to weed through the advice over the next few years to find out what is really going to help me and what isn't. Thanks for the tidbit on Taylor James, I hadn't heard that until now. Good to know.

If anyone else that has gone on to have a career in retouching wants to comment on the necessity of a four year degree, that would be much appreciated.

pixelzombie · #11 04-14-2008, 07:38 PM

i have only seen a handful of job postings that required a 4 year degree, most were only concerned with experience and even then you'd have to pass "their" test to even be considered...

AltIvan · #12 04-14-2008, 08:01 PM

This is more what the cliend see; in this bussiness many doesnt care where has you been; just what you can do (what they can see from your portfolio)

JayNads · #13 04-14-2008, 08:36 PM

I don't know what your education level is, but SVA is offering a masters program run by Katrin Eismann: http://www.schoolofvisualarts.edu/gr...id0=2&sid1=227

It's designed for working photographers so most of the classes are held in the evening.

Good luck!!!

cricket1961 · #14 04-14-2008, 08:41 PM

I don't think you need to have a 4 year degree to retouch. Or even a 2 year degree. You have good experience as a photographer which is a plus. ANd having an eye for what you are going for is always helpful.

Your best bet is to find a person (company) who is experienced to take you on as a intern. There are plenty out there, and some in Canada also. I can give you the name of someone I respect as a creative and retoucher there if you'd like.

Some people will do this through the internet for you also. I have helped people out from a huge number of countries and those with natural talent have gone on to have great retouching careers. Not because I told them what to do but I was there to answer their questions and point them in a good direction. Everyone has their own style though.

Chris

diggnikon · #15 04-16-2008, 03:45 AM

Hi All

i think chris is on the rite track in getting advice online also form other retouchers .

I know from my own experience working for a portrait studio has been great to cut my teeth on retouching day to day . I have spent day after day working on countless good and bad photography and some good makeup jobs and some really bad orange looking clients that need to be corrected fast .

The biggest part of working full time and making a living from what you do is you have to love it and want to progress in the field .When i started my job i was asked could i handle 8hrs a day working in Photoshop ? well ive done more than 8hrs a day thats for sure but the turnover of images you work on is endless , but from this i have learn't what no one could tell you in a classroom . What works best as you will learn this over time with mistakes and pressure when a job has be turned around in the quickest time you can with another 40 jobs to be delivered in the next 2 weeks .
The next step is to work outside of your day job and to get working on test shoots and working with photographer's , hairdresser's, Makeup artist as they all need portfolio's and this should in tern help you network alot faster and give you more experience in the real world of day to day work and business .

Im sure we would all love to be getting 3-4 jobs a week worth $500 -1000 each but i think this would happen with time and hard work .

Take a look a photoshelter's blog and find a talk chase jarvis did for them when he mentioned spending a week working on his own book shooting 15-18 hrs a day and invested heavily in himself to make his book and client base grow .

Thats my morning Rant from London .

Have a good day everyone .

brett