Icon Studios - //Retouching
//Photographic Retouching Services
Photographic image retouching covers a wide variety of photographic manipulations, from simple dust removal, through to more complex techniques such as general image enhancement through dodging & burning, colour correction, the removal of unwanted objects from a scene (such as cars or telegraph poles in architecture), or the additional of details otherwise missing from an image. Sometimes retouching is done purely to increase the aesthetic appeal of the image.
We provide basic retouching (dusting, spotting, and minor adjustments) as part of our File Finishing service. More complex retouching jobs are time estimated and charged at $150 / hour + GST for in house work or up to $250 / hour + GST for very complex work that needs to be out-sourced.
While often a set of images will look good directly from adjusted and batch-processed RAW files, if images are to be used for marketing or advertising purposes, it can be extremely worthwhile allowing for retouching to get the best possible results out of your final selections. Also, when post-production and retouching is allowed for upfront in the budget, the photographer can often shoot with post-production in mind and be able to achieve additional results that may not be possible otherwise.
The example below shows a sample range of possibilities that you nay keep in mind for your next photo shoot.
Retouching example
The initial image. Elements are not perfect, however it is still a very nice image and the main composition is good. A series of images were taken from the same position. Studio lighting conditions and circumstances allowed greater control of the shot in camera, and the contrast range of the lighting prevented a suitable individual output from RAW processing.
1) From a single RAW file, three separate exposures were made; one normal, a second version to bring out skin tones and remove blemishes, and a third version to add water reflection in a separate layer to the image.
2) The three images were layered together in Photoshop using masking and a number of other techniques to create a single image with good exposure throughout.
3) A second image from the series was processed to source elements that were hidden in the initial image.
4) Unwanted elements in the photograph are edited out, such as unwanted shadows, un even skin tones, cropping of the hair.
5) Cloning was utilised to blend the various elements together, as well as Curves and Levels adjustments.
6) Further Curves adjustments were made, both globally, and utilizing masking to adjustment individual elements of the image, such as the model and her reflection.
7) Finally, subtle aesthetic additions were added including a very fine grain to provide a certain style to the image, and a final Curves adjustment and then sharpening.
Total work time on this image was over 5 hours.