Photographic Retouching Process
Photographic retouching involves more than adjustments in Photoshop. Every project begins with the brief. I study the supplied photography and decide how to develop the image before the detailed work starts.
I work with photographers, agencies and brands on a wide range of photographic projects. My approach is to work carefully from the brief and the intended use of the images. I use experience and judgement to spot potential problems and find practical solutions as the work develops.
Understanding the Brief
First, I look at what the project requires and how the images will be used. I also check the supplied photography for anything that could affect the finished result.
If I spot an issue that could affect the result, I will raise it before I start. Where appropriate, I will suggest an alternative approach.
For larger projects, I can complete a sample image first. This allows the client to review and agree the proposed treatment before I continue with the remaining images.
Preparing Images in Capture One
Good photographic retouching starts before Photoshop. When I receive RAW files, I prepare each image in Capture One first.
This stage matters most for exposure, white balance and highlight or shadow recovery. A RAW file contains far more information than a rasterised image. Making tonal adjustments before conversion preserves detail that may be difficult to recover later.
I can also make initial colour and tonal adjustments to set a suitable starting point. When a project needs a specific colour treatment, I prefer to keep as much flexibility as possible. I then complete the final grading after the main retouching.
Once the image is ready, I open it in Photoshop for the detailed work.
Retouching in Photoshop
Photoshop gives me precise control over individual parts of an image. The techniques I use depend on the brief, the photography and what the image needs to achieve.
Retouching can include removing distractions, cleaning surfaces and correcting imperfections. It can also involve refining edges and making local adjustments to tone, colour and detail.
For people, I refine skin while keeping natural texture. I can also make subtle adjustments to facial features or clothing. I deal with stray hairs and other distractions too.
For products and objects, the work might involve cleaning surfaces, correcting reflections, rebuilding details or balancing colour and tone.
My techniques include cloning, healing, masking, selections, frequency separation and dodge and burn. I add carefully controlled tonal and colour adjustments where appropriate.
Compositing and Image Adjustments
Sometimes a single frame cannot deliver the required result. In that case, I may take elements from alternative exposures or other photographs and combine them with the main image.
This can involve replacing or rebuilding parts of an image, moving elements, extending backgrounds or combining several photographs. Careful masking, perspective, colour and tonal matching keep these changes consistent with the original photography.
The extent of this work depends entirely on the brief. Some images need straightforward correction and refinement. Others require much more involved manipulation.
Finishing and Delivery
Once the main retouching is complete, I review the image as a whole. I then make the final adjustments needed for its intended use.
These can include final colour grading, sharpening and tonal adjustments. I then prepare the finished file in the appropriate format and colour space.
I keep the master layered file so that I can make further changes if required. From this master, I can produce versions for print, digital use or a wider design or production workflow.
Where required, I can also supply cut-out assets or layered files for designers and other members of the production team.
Photographic Retouching Examples
The finished images show how this process works in practice. View my photographic retouching portfolio for a selection of completed projects. You can also see the before-and-after examples to compare the original photography with the finished image.
View Photographic Retouching Portfolio
Discuss a Retouching Project
If you have a project that needs photographic retouching, I am happy to discuss it. We can talk through the brief, the supplied photography and how you will use the finished images.
I work with photographers, agencies and brands from my London studio and remotely. I can handle individual images or larger projects.
All images copyrighted John Deaville / Photofixer.