Photo Retouching
and Touch Ups.
Is photo retouching cheating?
Is photo retouching cheating?
The human brain fills in elements that it
cannot directly interpret. A simple glance or interaction can only
gather so much literal visual information, the rest is filled in
by the image processing mechanisms of our brains. This holds true
hen assessing facial features. When we look at a person we are not
looking at every single skin pore or every facial wrinkle, but rather
a conglomeration of all the major features glazed over by our own
interpretation and biases.
When a photograph is taken, it distills and freezes all of the details
(and consequently flaws) of a scene. Elements that would be normally
overlooked by a face to face interaction with a person become apparent
and many times magnified. Loose strands of hair, small crows feet
wrinkles, minor skin flaws all come to the surface and are stopped
in time. When viewing a still image we have more time to examine
and scrutinize all of the flaws we would normally overlook.
Proper photo retouching can eliminate al of the flaws that the eye
would normal overlook anyway. there must be a delicate balance in
the amount and severity of the retouching. Too much digital manipulation
can lead to images that appear false and dated. When employed in
experienced and delicate hands, subtle but deliberate retouching
can reveal all of the natural beauty as the human eye would see
it.
Skin retouching:
Retouching the skin is a delicate balance of removing the minor
skin flaws while keeping the final image as natural as possible.
Using very subtle density shifts and digital cloning almost all
skin imperfections can be remedied.
Morphing and Molding:
Morphing and Molding is the technique of
liquefying elements of a photograph in order to reshape or resize
certain body parts. This is done by professional retouchers when
the final image calls for reshaping , pushing or pulling elements
of a physical form to better represent natural human symmetry. The
most common areas addresses in typical situations are thinning of
the thighs and arms as well as pulling in the belly to reveal a
more defined physical tone.
Tom Hawkins does not Morph or mold any photographs unless specifically
requested. In most cases proper posing, lighting and camera angle
will do wonders for displaying the body at it's absolute best.
Sharpening:
The overall clarity and snap of an image is defined and enhanced
by proper image sharpening. The average photo is quite sharp to
begin with but further clarity enhancing procedures can make a photo
appear more realistic and vibrant. The essence of sharpening of
sharpening is in the micro contrast which is the difference between
light and dark areas of an image on a small scale.
Tonality:
Tonality retouching is one of the most overlooked facets of the
retouching process. When executed properly a proper tonal balance
will produce an image that is very natural and pleasing to the eye.
Tonality is the overall representation and relationship of light
and dark areas of a photograph. The way that light flows from dark
to light is also considered tonality (or tonal range). The main
instruments of use when controlling the tonal range in post production
are those tools that control dynamics.
Colour:
The overall balance and realism of colour is very important in producing
timeless images. Minor misplaced or misrepresented hues will distract
from the purity of the photo. With misrepresented hues the mind
will not be able to pinpoint the exact element of imperfection but
will dismiss the image as false and less realistic. By employing
finite and subtle hue and tint shifts, the natural elements of colour
realism will be achieved. In some cases hand tuning individual colour
casts is necessary.
© copyright Tom Hawkins Photography Vancouver BC Canada