For this blog I thought it would be interesting to delve into the concept of retouching, specifically the differences between photos that employ it vs. photos that do not. But first, I'd like to ask a question directed to the female members of my audience. Do you wear makeup? And if so, do you use a small amount or do you use a lot? Lastly, do you use makeup because you feel it makes you look prettier, perhaps more youthful, or because you're trying to fit in with societal pressures?
Retouching is very similar in concept. Simply put, retouching is making corrections to a face to make the face look more attractive. Those corrections might include reducing or eliminating wrinkles, brightening eyes, removing acne or freckles, or even slimming faces. Some retouching programs will allow the photographer to change the shape of a client's nose and mouth, even their location on the person's face. Modern retouching software is incredibly sophisticated.
As many thoughts as there are on using makeup, there are just as many when it comes to retouching faces. Some photographers will apply very little if any corrections and some photographers will correct to the point that the face takes on an almost plastic look with little definition, much like a toy baby doll.
My oldest son, Marshall, was willing to be a guinea pig (I mean, "willing accomplice") for these retouching examples. Let's take a critical look at one of his recent headshots to see how an original photo and a retouched photo differ.
Marshall, Unretouched.
In the first photo, you'll immediately see the acne on his face. His lips are dry and the iris of his eyes are just a little dark. Otherwise, he has really nice skin. Marshall has lovely eyebrows and eyelashes but he needs a haircut. Ha ha. I told him I was going to say that. :)
Overall, Marshall really like the photo but felt his acne was too prominent for the photo's intended purpose. So here's the question. When you look at this photo, what do you see first? His eyes, his acne, or some other element?
Marshall, Retouched
After reviewing the photo, we agreed to treat the acne patches and put a little life (brightness) into his eyes. In that way, Marshall still retained the look of himself without trying to look like a plasticine supermodel that did not accurately represent his face. Nor does it look like we used makeup to cover his blemishes, something he did not want to do.
Let me back up slightly to say that my retouching style tends to be less prominent. Meaning, I try to apply it in a way that makes it less obvious so that the person's face stays true to the person.
Next, let's take a look at a photo of my daughter who was helping me test a couple of lights the other day. Note that I "color-graded" these photos, which is a process of adding (or sometimes subtracting) color from the photo to create a particular mood. Currently, it is very popular with wedding photographers to remove color from photos.
Mette (pronounced, "Metta" ) has beautiful freckles and is very proud of them but clearly has some acne making a subtle appearance. The first photo is as I photographed her with no retouching. In the second photo, you'll see that I retouched out the pimples (and a few of the freckles, just to show that it can be done) but left her skin fairly accurate to the original photo. I also brightened her eyes, darkened her lips and eyebrows, then removed a few stray skin flecks on her lips.
As you can see, there is quite a difference in the end result when retouching is added. My opinion as a photographer is that retouching is used when appropriate to the photograph. For example, a photograph of a cast of 30 performers may need very little retouching if at all, given how small everyone's faces will be. Contrast that with a portrait or a family photograph that includes everyone from a toddler to great-great grandma, and some retouching will likely be employed. I always discuss how much retouching to use with my clients before the final release of the photographs.
I hope you enjoy the photos! If you would like to learn more about the differences of a retouched photo and a non-retouched photo or how it can help you, certainly feel free to contact me. Likewise, if you would like to know more about me, my business, or would like to schedule a session, please contact me. I am here to help you!
