Photographic Retouching by John Deaville, UK-based Freelance Photo Retoucher
I have provided freelance photographic retouching for about 20 years, focusing mainly on still photography. Recently, I’ve expanded into video and animation. You can explore my services and portfolio on this website. Additionally, I am currently creating articles and content related to photo and video postproduction, covering subjects such as color management and equipment choices.
What is Photographic Retouching and Post Production?
While it may seem like a straightforward question (and answer), postproduction involves several stages following the production stage, encompassing everything captured in the camera:
Image optimization, Pre-grading, and Processing:
I adjust the image using RAW image format in programs like Capture One (as well as Adobe Raw/Lightroom and others), utilizing exposure and white balance charts to achieve correct exposure and white balance. These programs can also modify the amount of detail in shadows and highlights, as well as perform color grading prior to utilizing Photoshop. Alternatively, color grading can be applied at the end in Photoshop.
Milwaukee Power Tools
Image retouching and compositing using Adobe Photoshop:
This specifically involves manipulating the pixels comprising the image to remove objects, add details, clean skin textures, and enhance the subject.
Image Coloring and Grading using Adobe Photoshop:
I color the image according to client specifications, often referring to references and mood boards. This may involve color enhancement, maintaining the original color as natural as possible but enhancing it through the use of saturation and contrast. Alternatively, a color grade can be applied, introducing harmonious or contrasting colors into the subject.
Image Finishing, Cutouts, and Final Delivery:
I finalize and deliver the files according to client specifications:
- I flatten and supply them in Adobe RGB (or alternative) and flatten them in JPEG or TIFF format.
- I may cut out subjects using paths to pass on to another designer for use in their layout, delivering them as PSD or PNG with a transparent background.
- I can also convert and optimize files for commercial CMYK printing.
I employ a fully calibrated and color-managed workflow.
Other postproduction services.
I also have been working in animation and video. For example, I can manipulate your image using Adobe After Effects to create a video sequence for websites and social media.
You can also see a version of this at Photofixer.co.uk