Wallace Co: Photo Retouching

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photo retouching

introduction

Retouching can take on many forms and in most cases is not a reflection on the photographer. Sometimes only some simple color correction is needed. We started out retouching photographic prints, but that is rarely done these days. Most of the images we work on are scans or digital photographs. In a perfect world, we would always have complete control over the images we use, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Sometimes we have to use existing images for one reason or another and repurposing these images takes skill. Scans almost always need some color correction and must be adjusted to compensate for dot gain or dot loss on press. Digtial photographs, depending on the source, often need this as well. Because all of these images are viewed on screen, we take every precaution to ensure that images will reproduce properly at press time. In other words, we calibrate and then we work by the numbers!

Retouching comes into play in other areas as well. Perhaps an item or two must be removed from a grouping, or an "on site" background must be simplified. Sometimes shadows must be removed or added, or the details on an item must be enhanced, or even changed to reflect changes made to a newer model. When items are combined from two or more photographs, the color of the items, while identical in the real world, are disparate in the photographs. This is often the case because the photographs may have been taken at different times; even a very slight change in lighting can affect color. We use professional digital methods to facilitate consistent color across all items.

Regardless of the image, simple usually says it best, and the image should look untouched no matter how much work has been done to it. While retouching can emcompass setting up a photograph for an artistic effect, most of it would fall under the heading(s) of corrective measures or general clean up. However, every image is different and thus poses its own set of challenges.

Directions: Click a thumbnail to view a larger image. Click the info icon (i) for a brief description. Enjoy!