The post processing of images has been taking place for many years. Photoshop did not come up with the concept but rather made it easier to do in the digital world. Each photographer has his/her own idea of what and how much post goes into an image. There are many that love the Barbie Doll (plastic skin) look they can achieve with Photoshop while others prefer a more “real” or “gritty” feel.
I personally don’t care for plastic skin. I prefer a little more natural look to my images. That does not mean however that I don’t touch them up. The key for me is removing imperfections and finding that fine line between what I feel is a publishable image and what has a natural look to it.
If I haven’t mentioned this before..I do “all” my own touch-ups. I know many photographers that send out their work. This is how they do it. I don’t do it that way (yet). I have a certain look that I want to achieve and for the time being prefer to keep my touch-ups in house. I am sure there are several Photoshop guru’s out there that can do it…I like doing it myself and I don’t have to worry about my touch-up guy being available or how long it will take him/her to get to my images.
I also from time to time work on other photographers images. The images below (couresty of Jason Christopher Photography) show the before and after (post) of a swimsuit shot.
 Before |
 After |
Tags: Beauty, Dallas, Dallas Fashion, Dallas Fashion Photographer, Dallas Fashion Photography, Fashion, Fashion Photographer, Jason Christopher, Model, Photography, Photoshop, Steven Starr, Texas, Touch ups
Nice post. I also prefer to retouch my own images and have a similar outlook on this that you have. I prefer to leave a natural looking skin, although that being said probably spend just as much time if not more than photographers that go for the more plastic look. You’ve just inspired me to blog about my thoughts around retouching as well
Cecilie, you are absolutely right. It takes just as long (if not longer) to achieve a nice natural look. There is no quick fix. It is a slow tedious process.
I just wanted to drop you a comment to say keep up the good work. Hi, nice post. I have been wondering about this issue,so thanks for writing. I will certainly be subscribing to your posts.