How long do you spend on average on a high end ret

[brianr66]

Just curious if there are any real high end pros here who would be happy to confirm how long on average they spend on say a magazine cover or high end editorial shot? I'm talking the proper long laborious pore level, flawless skin jobs here. I've taken the time out this past year or so to learn the correct and pro level retouching methods... practice makes perfect as they say... and just need an idea if I'm slow, fast, average or should really spend more time with the wife

No hidden agenda here, just a gauge for myself.

Cheers

[Markzebra]

About 4 years

[brianr66]

And on an hourly rate why not

[twopoint0]

Brian-
10 to 20 hours.

[skauskas]

may from 8 to 20 hours.. but most of the cases it's 10 to 12.

[brianr66]

Thanks skauskas, appreciate the reply.

[BagLady]

Hello Brian and welcome to RP!

Good question! I'm pleased to know that I'm not the only one that spends so much time with an image! I usually dedicate anywhere from 3 to 10 hours per photo (some take longer!). I would say that it depends on the image... Sometimes I'll spend a few hours on one photo, while another (from the same shooting) will take much longer. It all depends on the photographer, model, stylist, hair/make-up artist and if the background needs to be corrected or expanded to fit the page requirements. How much time do you spend with an image?

[brianr66]

Again it really depends on the image, most of the retouching I do is from my own shots and don't have the benefit of a good MAU, stylist or proper studio so most images generally need more work than that of a good pro shoot but I'd say on average between 4 & 10 hours. I'm a graphic designer at the moment but constantly trying to improve my retouching skills to move towards a possible new career but I know that even with all the Photoshop knowledge in the world it still takes time and research to really get the knowledge and skills I need.

[L33t]

A photo retouch for pro it doesn't take much long time, because they know exactly what to do....

I don't believe in 4-5 hours up, because from what I've read from those who painting illustrated photos just take like 5 hours up.

It is up to each person base on their knowledge of the program and how fast they're working in progress.

(do a search on youtube and type "speed painting" those are really time cosuming, and it's a real 5-20 hours job!)

[BagLady]

Originally Posted by brianr66

I'm a graphic designer at the moment but constantly trying to improve my retouching skills to move towards a possible new career but I know that even with all the Photoshop knowledge in the world it still takes time and research to really get the knowledge and skills I need.

So, you're a graphic designer... Fantastic! This means you should have an artistic background. If you stick around and explore RP, I'm sure you'll find all kinds of wonderful tips for your possible new career! Looking forward to seeing some of your work!

[twopoint0]

Brian-
I don't know your age, or what stage of career you're at, but you may want to consider working in a prepress environment for a couple/few years. IMHO, you can greatly benefit from learning color and how to build printable files, and you'll get plenty of practice honing your everyday retouching skills. Add a artistic background to that, and voila!, you may be able to get your foot in the door somewhere else. Good luck!

[brianr66]

BagLady, yes sadly working for a global bank creativity gets strangled, the days of engaging staff with artistic work have gone in the current climate and everything's now very corporate, that's why I want out :O) Feel free to have a look at my flickr page for some of my experiments but these are by no means serious attempts at high end retouching, just me getting creative;O) http://www.flickr.com/photos/29852199@N05/

[L33t]

yes that's very nice scattered picture

[BagLady]

Nice work, Brian! Add to your bag of tricks and let your creativity flow! But never neglect the wife!!! ;o)

[brianr66]

Originally Posted by twopoint0

Brian-
I don't know your age, or what stage of career you're at, but you may want to consider working in a prepress environment for a couple/few years. IMHO, you can greatly benefit from learning color and how to build printable files, and you'll get plenty of practice honing your everyday retouching skills. Add a artistic background to that, and voila!, you may be able to get your foot in the door somewhere else. Good luck!

Sadly I'm some way into my career but hey you're never too old right?! I'm actually 42 but I've seen people switch careers at my age so I'd never say I'm too old but maybe too old for your suggestion even though it's sound advice for someone younger.

[twopoint0]

There are times I'd like to switch careers and start selling hot dogs from a truck!

[brianr66]

Originally Posted by BagLady

Nice work, Brian! Add to your bag of tricks and let your creativity flow! But never neglect the wife!!! ;o)

HE he... as luck would have it I have one that's very understanding & well used to it :O)

[brianr66]

hot dogs... hmmm... now there's a thought!! :O))