Canadian Photo Retouching
A camera doesn't see the world quite the same way as our eyes.
For better or worse, our eyes are very forgiving. We tend to overlook wrinkles, stray hairs, uneven skin tones, and blemishes on the faces of our friends. But a camera records every flaw and blemish in exquisite detail.
We also don't notice things like mismatched lighting, overly bright highlights, odd reflections, converging verticals, or assorted other distractions.
Unlike our always moving and always adapting eyes, a camera captures one moment forever. Only when viewing a photograph can we see all the details our eyes have overlooked.
Many people will be satisfied with the "Before" photo. But retouching evened the exposure across the image which "balances" the photo and makes it better for reproduction. The person's face was brightened to better show his eyes (eyes are always important) and distractions were removed.
Balancing the exposure can make an image better for reproduction. Distortion correction is almost always needed when a wide-angle lens is used.
Real estate photos almost always have leaning walls due to wide-angle lens distortion. Most vertical distortions can be corrected. But horizontal distortions are more difficult and can't always be fully corrected. Photographers have to be very precise with camera placement and lens choice.
Photo Editing and Retouching
Standard post-processing or photo editing helps a picture meet our basic expectations. It includes adjustments to colour, contrast and brightness to ensure a photo meets minimum professional standards. Nearly every image benefits from some level of post-processing.
Retouching goes a few steps further. A retouched photo presents a more polished image and perhaps even what we wished we saw.
(L-R) The original photo from the camera; the photo with some basic edits; a retouched version.
Retouching a portrait isn’t about vanity. Our brain's natural tendency to judge others based on their facial appearance is a built-in survival mechanism. By correcting issues like oily skin, blemishes, yellowing teeth, and uneven skin tones, retouching can enhance your appearance, making you look healthier and, in turn, more attractive. This often translates to being perceived as friendlier and more trustworthy. Appearing well-groomed can also convey competence. A properly retouched portrait helps you create a stronger first impression.
Contrary to what you may have seen on TV or in a movie, enhancing a photo requires a lot more than just a simple click. Depending on the complexity, retouching can take anywhere from several minutes to several hours.
Portrait retouching can do as much or as little as you want. This example had a lot of retouching done because that's what the customer wanted. You have to decide what message you're trying to send.
It's almost impossible to get a group photo where everyone looks their best. Retouching ensured that, when this photo was framed and hung on a wall, every person looks good. A business or organization should never use a group photo with closed eyes, turned heads or odd expressions.
Retouching can add drama or style which will help your photo get more attention. This image was for a social media campaign by Canada's largest sporting goods retailer.
This house was photographed on a cold, rainy, end-of-October day. Retouching makes the home look warm and inviting.
Photo retouching warms up a cold room. The fireplace flames become the focal point of the photo and draw in the viewer.
One more thing
Property photos often need corrections for exposure, colour and wide-angle lens distortion.
Smart companies, advertising agencies, and marketing departments recognize the importance of using properly edited and retouched photos. They understand that a professionally finished image will convey the right message. A retouched photo won't have any blemishes, distractions, or technical errors that might detract from that message.
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Proper spelling and good grammar help present a professional image that's necessary in business. The same applies to photography. Proper photo technique and polished editing help create a professional image.