Pet retouching

[Doug Nelson]

Does such a thing exist? Is anyone making of go of it as a business? I see plenty of "pet photographers", so it would make sense that some retouching could be involved.

[Tony W]

Doug, if you keep on double posting like this I will just have to report you - sorry I just could not resist .

Still interesting question I wonder if I could become a High End doggy retoucher (as oposed to dodgy!!).

[Doug Nelson]

We've joked about dog retouching in a couple of shows, but pet owners will pay for rhinestone collars for Fido, so why not some digital drool removal and hair straightening? That yellow crusty stuff in their eyes could be a million-dollar business.

[Vernon]

I've done a few manipulations on pets that were part of the overall image; primarily fixing the closed eyes by cloning in eyes from another less flattering shot, etc.
I have also done "fur styling" where stray fur/hair did not contribute to the shot.

And the weirdest has been faux-coloring fur colors - giving a groomed poodle pink pom-poms on its paws.

But I can't say I've made it a prime service, rather, an addendum to what I'm already working on.

[shift studio]

I've had the chance to do a few fun dog and cat composites!

[Solvent]

I work full-time for these guys, all I ever do is pet retouching, with sometimes people thrown in the mix. Not a bad daytime gig.

http://www.zoostudio.com.au/gallery/

[Doug Nelson]

That is excellent! Do you have a before/after section on the site?

[Solvent]

Unfortunately not! I guess as with most photo studios they don't really want to show that side of it, it dispels the illusion.
I can tell you though that most of the work is on the animals eyes and the backgrounds, they generally don't need much done to their fur etc. I might ask at work if it's ok to show a before and after on here.

[Doug Nelson]

That would be great if they'd allow (might need the pet's parents permission, too).

Is your retouching included in their packages, or sold as an add-on?

[jesterjeni]

In a short search for dogs, just to see I found this with your thread in mind....

[Solvent]

@Doug, every picture is retouched, basically its part of the package. It run's like any other portrait studio really, except with dogs and cats!
Animals on the whole are a lot easier to work on than humans, its a great first job for someone like me who's been trying to break into the industry for a few years now.

[CJ Swartz]

Just as more people portrait photographers are doing their own retouching, some of the pet portrait photogs I follow do their retouching - and some are also offering art renditions. Cowbelly Pet Photography

[CJ Swartz]

@Shift studio - love the concept and the work; @Solvent - love the images.

[Boneappetit]

You see, here is where the Dog and Broom technique applies! LOL

[Mike]

One should not overlook peoples pets. When I was doing Santa photos, we set up a day for doing "Santa and Pets". We found that people would spend 50 to 75% more for the Santa and Pet packages than those who had us take the photos with Santa, their kids and pets, and usually at least 100% more than folks who just had us do Santa and kids.

And the pets ran from dogs, cats, various types of pigs, goats, Llamas, chickens, turkeys, horses, cows and a 1800 lb bull (and Santa was in a red suit!!!!!) We almost did a fish once (he was going to be in a plastic bag full of water) and we where asked often, but Santa (and this photographer) did not do reptiles.......

There is money in pets!

[Bob Rosinsky]

I've been photographing doggies for five years. Check out my website and blog www.topdogimaging.net

[CJ Swartz]

Originally Posted by Bob Rosinsky

I've been photographing doggies for five years. Check out my website and blog www.topdogimaging.net

Bob - some truly excellent work! Some beautiful images and a few funny faces. You are good at enticing and capturing wonderful expressions as well as properly lit/exposed compositions.

I just took a peek at your blog and found your recent portraits of Elvis and Quentin... I think your daughter did a great job of cajoling him into adorable poses for you.

[Bob Rosinsky]

Thank you for your kind words. I really love photographing dogs. And, my daughter is truly gifted with animals. I appreciate your comments.

[kav]

I had a request to thin a fat kitty's waistline in an ad once. I thought you might find this funny.

Correction: maybe not exactly a waistline but the overall stomach and stuff. They wanted it to be more of a normal sized cat.

[Bob Rosinsky]

That's a new one on me. But, it makes sense. Especially for an ad. Whenever I drastically altar the shape of a dog or eliminate a "feature" I picture myself as being a virtual plastic surgeon.