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 acheive additional results that may not be possible otherwise.
The example below shows a sample range of possibilites that you nay keep in mind for your next photoshoot.
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. Ambient lighting conditions and circumstances did not allow greater control of the shot in camera, and the contrast range of the lighting prevented a suitable indvidual output from RAW processing.
1) From a single RAW file, three seperate exposures were made; one normal, a second darker version to bring in detail of the roof and back wall, and a third lighter version to bring up detail of the lower levels and covered areas.
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 the man at the bottom left on the stairs or the woman on the right hand middle level. Using copied elements from the initial image as well as elements from the second image they are replaced with the elements of architecture that were previously hidden.
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 utilising masking to adjustment individual elements of the image, such as the woman in the centre.
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 3 hours.
If you have any queries regarding our photographic retouching services and how they can help your business, please feel free to contact us.
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