making a living

[doctorontop]

Originally Posted by toan thai

i think i started a little too late to be fully on my feet. only time will tell

Hopefully somebody wise will push work your way. You have a strong book I wish you all the best

[Quantum3]

Woudl be faster doing a poll?

[zganie]

From KR1156,if you're looking to do this as a career, put in the time and do it 120%...don't do anything half-assed.
I dont Know BUT if I was going to put in all kinds of crazy hours learning Something and Spend money on DVDs or Books which are not cheap,I would want to Know;
AT LEAST THERES A POSSIBILITY OF MAKING A LIVING
Just plain common sense

[Amanda_Lauren]

I make a living retouching and teaching retouching at a corporate company in NYC. I work 40 plus hours a week. It took me about a year and half to get this job after receiving a BFA. I got my first real retouching gig at a small studio in the meatpacking district only a year after college. I will tell you though, it was hard work.

No one hands you these kind of jobs. I take tutorial after tutorial, read book after book, and ask a ton of questions constantly. I do research on other companies. Trying to understand the business. You have to have the drive and ambition.

When I was in college, I was an photo major and a teacher once told me if you don't eat, breathe and sleep with your camera your never going to make it.

I never understood that and thought it was an unfair statement, until I found my nitch in retouching. She is right, I eat breathe and sleep retouching, I never did with my camera. It's kind of sick, but I've learned that if being successful is important enough to you (and to me it is), you will find the resources to MAKE IT HAPPEN. Its completely what you make of it.

I am young still, but all the hard work that I have been putting in on my own time even, is paying off even at my current job. And I am just getting started.

So yes, you can make a living. Its completely what you make of it. (in my opinion)

[KR1156]

i put in my time, i been in the advertising / photo. business since i was 19. went to school for a year, it wasn't for me. got an internship which turned into full-time employment and I haven't worked a week less than 40 hours since then. i put in 2000% percent bc i knew i wanted to do retouching at a high-end level and wouldn't settle for less. i had conrad from this forum take me under his wing and flush me of all the crap that people teach on the internet, and show me the right way to do things. he helped develop my eye and business mind as well. Ant from this forum took me under his other wing a few years later and really pushed me further on some extreme highend techniques and, aesthetics, more importantly. Now i'm in a very good spot, working on a wide variety of big name jobs, managing some pretty big campaigns and making a pretty good living as well. here in nyc, a good retoucher makes 6 figures annually.

go for it. and best of luck to you if you do.

[Benny Profane]

Originally Posted by Amanda_Lauren

I make a living retouching and teaching retouching at a corporate company in NYC. I work 40 plus hours a week. It took me about a year and half to get this job after receiving a BFA. I got my first real retouching gig at a small studio in the meatpacking district only a year after college. I will tell you though, it was hard work.

No one hands you these kind of jobs. I take tutorial after tutorial, read book after book, and ask a ton of questions constantly. I do research on other companies. Trying to understand the business. You have to have the drive and ambition.

When I was in college, I was an photo major and a teacher once told me if you don't eat, breathe and sleep with your camera your never going to make it.

I never understood that and thought it was an unfair statement, until I found my nitch in retouching. She is right, I eat breathe and sleep retouching, I never did with my camera. It's kind of sick, but I've learned that if being successful is important enough to you (and to me it is), you will find the resources to MAKE IT HAPPEN. Its completely what you make of it.

I am young still, but all the hard work that I have been putting in on my own time even, is paying off even at my current job. And I am just getting started.

So yes, you can make a living. Its completely what you make of it. (in my opinion)

Amanda, take it from an old man. Put the stylus down, push the nice chair back, and get out more. I'm assuming that you live in one of the coolest cities in the world, with too many things to do and too many people to meet. Don't throw this time away by ignoring it. Work will always be there, but, you never know, Trump may finally develop central Park, and then, how's that going to play when you have to explain that you never biked or rollerbladed the loop in your young days. If anything, there is such a wealth of visual art within a mile radius of the Empire State building to see for cheap, that you can justify that kind of museum and gallery hopping as a professional education. Don't get me going about the bars and music.......

I looked into the eyes of a photographer at 3 am one morning when I was an assistant many moons ago, and got freaked out. He was a dude who worked ALL THE TIME and considered good marriage and family relations buying his wife and daughters lot of fur and shiny happy things. Hey, they seemed to like each other when I saw them together every three months or so, but I decided that I didn't want any part of that life. It's not as glamourous as a lot of people think. NYC is full of people like that, just working all the time.

[Amanda_Lauren]

Originally Posted by Benny Profane

Amanda, take it from an old man. Put the stylus down, push the nice chair back, and get out more. I'm assuming that you live in one of the coolest cities in the world, with too many things to do and too many people to meet. Don't throw this time away by ignoring it. Work will always be there, but, you never know, Trump may finally develop central Park, and then, how's that going to play when you have to explain that you never biked or rollerbladed the loop in your young days. If anything, there is such a wealth of visual art within a mile radius of the Empire State building to see for cheap, that you can justify that kind of museum and gallery hopping as a professional education. Don't get me going about the bars and music.......

I looked into the eyes of a photographer at 3 am one morning when I was an assistant many moons ago, and got freaked out. He was a dude who worked ALL THE TIME and considered good marriage and family relations buying his wife and daughters lot of fur and shiny happy things. Hey, they seemed to like each other when I saw them together every three months or so, but I decided that I didn't want any part of that life. It's not as glamourous as a lot of people think. NYC is full of people like that, just working all the time.

LoL. Aw. Thats very sweet actually. I appreciate your words of wisdom.
If it makes you feel any better, I have NOT neglected the unique lifestyle of nyc. I love nyc. Its fabulous here. But now its all about my career.

[nycretoucher]

I have been working as a full time retoucher for the past 20 years. I work in a retouching studio that is a sub division of a printing company. Though we accept all work for retouching, not just what's being printed at our facility.

I started working for a printing company back before computers were so heavily used and worked as a dot etcher (for anyone that even knows what that is) color correcting on the actual four color films using an assortment of techniques.

There are times when retouching is either slow, or all current projects are out being reviewed by the clients. When that happens I keep busy, and valuable to the company, by working with the Assembly team assembling files in InDesign, Quark, Illustrator and ripping them using Prinergy and Nexus workflows. Uploading PDF X1a's to various web portals or FTP sites. Whatever needs to be done until the next retouching project comes in or returns from the client. I have even been known to pick up the broom and mop from time to time.

Sure, I would love to just sit there and retouch all day and do nothing else, but in all honesty, and in this economy, it takes more than that if you want to stay employed. You have to do whatever needs to be done, be flexible, and don't be snobbish about doing things "beneath" you. When things slow down, and companies look to start laying people off, you don't want your name on that list. One employee that can do anything is much more valuable than 3 employees that can only do one thing each.

Be aggressive, when hired as a retoucher, try to learn everything. Learn how to change the materials in the proofing devices, learn Desktop Publishing. If there is nothing to do on a Monday morning, grab some Windex and clean the stations, monitors, and keyboards. Grab the broom and sweep up a little, maybe even mop a little. Of course, don't be doing this while there is work in the shop, they aren't paying you all this money to clean the floor. But definitely stay flexible and useful.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

[abenormal]

Sorry I didn't raise my virtual hand sooner, I haven't been checking in on this site much lately...

I am a full time pro retoucher working in NYC. I also fill in as a photographer when the staff photog is out sick or on vacation.

[Nanls]

Originally Posted by toan thai

until two weeks ago, i was a full-time retoucher at a stock photo studio. economy is bad so i got laid off. now i am trying to freelance but having a hard time landing any gigs. it's real tough when no one knows you

Have you tried staffing agencies such as Aquent? We get our freelancers that way.

[Nanls]

I used to work for myself but when the economy went south It was time to get a corp job. It's been four years now, and I sometimes miss working for myself from home.

I live in Redondo Beach, CA and I am a Senior retoucher and lead the retouching team for the company I work for who's Corporate office is located in LA county.

We have two in-house photogs and our photo/retouching is part of "shared services" for our companies' divisions in the Americas, EMEA, UK, China, and Australia. We shoot and retouch product, lifestyle and environment images for packaging, ads, signage, presentations, customers' websites, etc.

As you can imagine the work is very fast-paced, but exact and not for the faint-of-heart or beginner. It is rare we are not jamming or on some "fire-drill" to meet FTP dates for multiple projects. It is my responsibility to make sure the team is organized on what is priority and keep up with what is coming down the cue, and to line up and manage freelancers when we don't have the bandwidth to handle it. It can be intense at time, but I like it. Of the 300+ applications for my job they only interviewed 12 people so I feel very fortunate to have been selected.

LA traffic is infamous for being terrible, but I am on flex-time so no pressure to get to work "on time". I also work one day a week from home.

I feel blessed, especially in these time, to work for a company who is very employee friendly and also work with a super nice and very talented team. I am paid well and I have great benees

[digitalshark]

I'm very fortunate enough to make a good living doing retouching work for my company for the past 4 years. But the work has slowed down a whole lot and a few of my friends have been laid off due to the bad economy and the slow deterioration of print. So if business doesn't pick up, I may end up getting the pink slip as well, unless my company offers to relocate me again, which I have done in the past several times. My advice is to not only master retouching, but also master other forms of graphic communications tools, such as InDesign, Quark, Illustrator. Be very flexible with your future employer. That is how I have survived in this industry, just like nycretoucher, who may well be working for the same company I work for, hmmmmm I wonder...

[zganie]

Hi everyone
OK so I did research here and other places on the net asked a lot of people.
Actually not a lot of people makinf a "FULLTIME" living from retouching images VERSUS the amount of people doing it
1)A lot of Photographers do there own Retouching and some told me they farmed it out in there busy season Like wedding photographers
2) Some photographers want you to do it for Cheap (next to nothing)
On the Flip Like a few photographers told me anyone with a computer and an imaging program try there hand at it

[amandaleigh]

I do freelance work, it's for a little extra cash.
I would probably get more work if I started advertising for myself again on various sites like I used to when I had time. I'm a full time student learning graphic design, but my spring break is here so I just might post some more ad's for myself during that time.
I have a few regs. that ask me to do work for them pretty frequently. As for cheap rates, I charge what I see is fair.
When I am doing restorations, the highest I'm going to go is probably $30 and that's if it has a lot of damage.
If it just needs minor color correcting or something that will just take 1 or 2 adjustments then I am only going to charge $5.
I guess I work for cheap? Well, I consider what I do also a huge hobby and love of mine so I guess I'm getting paid for doing something I enjoy anyways

[Quantum3]

I think there is not possibilities working freelance and living in some expensive country such as the U.S. or Europe at the same time, unless you also take the pictures. I work freelance and I keep a very nice track of all the jobs I get and certainly, the best periods of time are at the beginning of the year (feb; march; apr) and at the end (oct; nov). I don't do any effort to promote myself, though I get about 2-4 clients per month and some of them are recurrent. Just a couple of them are permanent, meaning they send many pictures every month. I would say that the highest peak I had was $1300usd more or less, in a month. That was the past year and I have just a couple of years working freelance and also, working professionally. This is my second one and this year I estimate that the year incoming will go around the double. Will see.

[zganie]

Saw this on Craigslist/mar27/Montreal

THIS IS A BEGINNERS ENTRY. JUNIOR ONLY. IT STATES THE CRITERIAS NEEDED, AND HOPES TO MEET ALL OF THE CRITERIAS. HOWEVER, BEING THAT IT IS A BEGINNERS POSITION; TEACHING YOU CERTAIN SOFTWARE IS NOT AN ISSUE.
TO ALL "PROS" THIS AD IS NOT FOR YOU, AS IT WILL PAY MINIMUM WAGE. THANK YOU.

Job: Editing & retouching photos for a wedding company
Time: Part-Time (2-3 days a week, flexible)
Starting: May 2010 – training in April.

Job Description:
• Editing photos: have the eye to bring 2000 down to 900 photos
• Retouching photos for albums/orders
• Graphic knowledge for layouts (illustrator or InDesign)
• Inventory
word for word.I think Minimum wage is $9.75 could be &10.

[Quantum3]

Originally Posted by zganie

word for word.I think Minimum wage is $9.75 could be &10.

I guess that's per pic, isn't it?

There are worst things than that.... Starts with I.

[zganie]

Its Per Hour

[zganie]

TORONTO $15 Per Hour which makes $9.75 Per Hour in Montreal look Fantastic

Large Media Organization

We are currently looking to hire a student Photographer to work full-time for the summer (17 weeks), with the potential to continue on a part-time basis during the school year to complete our sales team in Toronto.

This individual must be a student - currently be enrolled full time in a college/university program - either finishing this spring or returing in the fall.

Responsibilities :
- Photograph company products.
- Coordinate multiple projects and prioritize assignments.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time and to a high quality standard.
- May perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned and/or required.

Skill requirements :
- Must be currently enrolled in a photography program with portfolio
- Must have a car to travel around Toronto every day photographing company's products
- Must be familiar with/own digital SLR camera.
- Video capability including editing an asset.
- Ability to work independently.
- Driver license

Any candidate who wants to apply for this opportunity should send their resume to amsummerjobs@yahoo.ca ** Please - only students can apply



•Location: Toronto and surrounding areas
•Compensation: $15/hr

[zganie]

I tell you what someone Should come up with!
A course on How to live on NOTHING (READ INTERN) or
PART 2 (once you learn to live on nothing this part should be easy
HOw To Live on next to nothing

[peter king]

I am a full time retoucher working on glamour photos. I do 20- 30 min work per image. Obviously it is not high end work but it is regular and pays the bills.

[Kermy]

I'm fulltime freelance retoucher working for advertising/design. I get to work on anything from visualising a concept, to comping to plain old color correcting. Actually began in the print trade as an apprentice in '94 making printing plates and exposing film. That was the best grounding in colour theory and print that I would recommend anyone to undertake...

[bpurvis]

I scan and restore slides and old photographs, as well as do a little retouching when requested. I was laid off a few years ago and my husband suggested I start my own business doing something I love. Gotta say, it's been a lot harder than I thought it would be. Work is intermittent, although I am starting to get referrals. For me, it will never be a full salary type job - although I wish it could be. Perhaps restoring is a whole different market than retouching, but I would say that anyone who goes into the business should know that only a few ever really make a living at it. The rest of us make just enough to pay for what we need to do what we love. And maybe a little extra.

[renamer]

Hello all, I am new in this forum.. pleased to meet you all

[y2cute]

i work part time as a headshot/portrait retoucher in LA for a photographer...enough to pay my monthly rents & some foods while im going to school I get pay per image instead of hourly with is quite nice (take a break and go home whenever i want as long as i get things done). it's not a high end retouch where u spend like hours on one image...it's a fast pace work where u only get 25-30 mins max on each photo and move on to the next. u gotta be fast!

[zganie]

Final Thought
From what I see I think a small group of people make a living from retouching ONLY
So like I said Before
Think about the Money you will spend on learning Materials and also the time,Because like anything you need to spend time learning and practicing to get good

[zganie]

Ok I put an add up willing to work for FREE, I realize there are people a lot better than me but FREE is FREE, not even an inquiry.
Not trying to scare anyone off BUT I have said this before.I have Discussions with Students and always tell them Before they start spending Money and time make sure you will get it back at the least
Theres over 2000 hits on this and I don't see that many people working

So for newcomers DON'T You think you should at least check it out
There are people on here that have said Honestly You must put in a lot of time and its a hard business so at least find out what it takes and are you willing to do it

[creativeretouch]

zganie, I do not understand why you offer to work for free? If you want to learn retouching, just take a picture and work ... And when you will feel you have enough knowledge and skills try to find a job.

To be fair I finished my portfolio yesterday and I updated my web site and I will start to offer my skills now. Basicaly I am a photographer but I do not want to continue as a commercial photographer anymore. I wish to shoot my own images since now but I still have to make money for living as everyone else

http://creativeretoucher.com

[Quantum3]

Originally Posted by zganie

Ok I put an add up willing to work for FREE, I realize there are people a lot better than me but FREE is FREE, not even an inquiry.
Not trying to scare anyone off BUT I have said this before.I have Discussions with Students and always tell them Before they start spending Money and time make sure you will get it back at the least
Theres over 2000 hits on this and I don't see that many people working

So for newcomers DON'T You think you should at least check it out
There are people on here that have said Honestly You must put in a lot of time and its a hard business so at least find out what it takes and are you willing to do it

You can work for free and also being paid. One must see what's is good for. At my early ages of retoucher, I was too cheap and insecure about doing business but got clients anyway. Then I started working for just very small portions of money, at the same time, I studied and practiced how to become better by finding cool fashion images around retouch pro. In the second year of my growing experience, I found clients with better ideas and bigger budgets because also my experience and skills were increased and worked for that kind of clients while keeping retouching samples I found on the Internet for practice and evolved my skills much more. Then, just few months ago (I'm pretty new, I must say) I started asking directly to the photographers for pictures I liked, so I found better resources to practice and to build a much better portfolio (and also thanks to 3 persons who helped me to build my portfolio: Sheldon from shift studio, Abenormal and seattle-light. Nowadays, I surprisingly find around 2 e-mails per week of people talking very good about my portfolio and I'm actually getting much more clients around the world with much better budgets and many offers of job. Thanks to those 3 guys and a hard effort working for free, now I have these very positive results There are much more better people than me, of course, because there is always better people than oneself as there are clients for every type of skills and experience too.

Mart

[creativeretouch]

Mart,

one thing is ask one photographer for a good picture and second is to make an add for free ...

I am sorry, I must go and I will be back in 24 h