training retoucher jobs??

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Ree123

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HI all

Im just after some advice really, I am interested in retouching as a job but I have no formal qualifications etc... so I apprieciate i'm not going to walk into the perfect job role. I would like to know what the job description exactly ranges from and to. I am self taught, so at the moment, my confidence is slightly on the low side as I do not know if I'm good enough?? I would work for nothing to start to get more experience as to find out what people want and expect. I do not have access to 'top editing' software either but I will upload a couple of pictures to show what i've done with what I have to work with (once i figure out how).
Maybe there are some photgraphers on here that would be willing to email me some typical photos of what i'd be expected to do/change??
Many thanks ;)
 
Hi, There are two particular threads in this section that will show you what you can do - one is the "how would you edit this photo game" and the other is the "PP thread" the first is for fun and you can add any other elements you like into the picture and the other is a more serious edit using only what is already in the picture - either or both of these are excellent practice;

If you are editing for a client it totally depends on what they want, some want the lightest of retouches that takes a few minutes, others want a complete beauty makeover that takes hours and hours if not days

Take a look at the retouching section of my website - that might also give you some ideas?
 
Look at working towards an Adobe ACE qualification, this is recognised through the industry (although not essential ) You will be expected to work with the various softwares like photoshop/illustrator so it will help if you can get them to learn on.
Look at getting a student version (exactly the same only cheaper) Many classes/courses will qualify you for the big discount.
 
I actually joined this forum after being cast onto the dole queue looking for inspiration and thought my editing ability might be a way off that dole line. I'd always thought my downfall would be speed and after seeing the quick turn around from some of he guys here (wayne in particular ;)) accepted that was not my destiny.

From all the job specs I looked at, the 3 most important things I lacked were speed, competency with a variety of packages (the whole Adobe Suite) and both PC & Mac experience.
 
Speed isn't everything, one of the best guys I know is painfully slow (to my mind) but he does a stunning job.
 
Granted, but like many skills, it does depend on the company/service you work for.

Also, I read in other threads about the cheap retouching jobs available from the East, which was a bit offputting.

Of course, if the OP does have a natural ability/eye then go for it :thumbs:
 
I'm just amazed at what you can do with photoshop. Correcting slouches and moving legs without it being remotely noticeable?!

Some kind of training course would also potentially be of interest to me too.
 
srichards said:
I'm just amazed at what you can do with photoshop. Correcting slouches and moving legs without it being remotely noticeable?!

Some kind of training course would also potentially be of interest to me too.
Click to expand...

You should see what the photoshop experts can do!

I don't know how you learn, ie self study/experimentation or classroom but there are lots of tutorials around the web and if you even learn one new thing from going through them it is something you didn't know before. That and experimenting with the various different controls in Photoshop. Joining in the "how would you edit this photo" thread in this section is another, very informal, way to learn/practice new skills.

The disadvantage of a teach yourself type method if you then go for formal Adobe qualifications is that although you can probably do what they require you might not know the correct terminology for it.
 
I'd say it's like most aspects of photography: potential employers are not really interested qualifications, only results. Get a portfolio together - before and after stuff - and send it to some studios or whatever. Don't blizzard them, just send say four examples with a polite letter asking, basically, what do you think? You'll know if you're good enough if they write a nice letter back.
 
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