Photography is a learned skill… and so is retouching. You don’t have to go to school for it, but you absolutely have to have an eye for it.
Especially if you’re going to charge people.
The video above goes through the story, but if you’re more into reading…
It all started with this Facebook post from a woman named Pam Zaring:
Without further, ado, here are the hilariously disastrous photos:
Why do they all look like Michael Myers? And what was the photographer person thinking when they presented these to paying customers? She would’ve been better sending the unretouched photos. Not to mention, her framing is off.
Apparently the shadows were really bad and her professor never taught her how to retouch photos.
At least the client has a good sense of humor about it.
Now, because I can’t make fun of how wrong these are without giving a solution, here are some tips to avoid becoming the laughing stock of the internet.
Tip #1: Use a Flash
Using a flash will decrease or even eliminate the shadows when used properly.
Tip #2: Use Flags and Reflectors
The flags can be used to completely shade your subject, and reflectors can redirect light to your advantage.
Tip #3: Shoot in RAW format
That way, you can adjust the levels with less distortion, so the shadows aren’t so stark.
Tip #4: GOOGLE!
It’s really easy to find tutorials on how to retouch skin blemishes as well as for shadows and highlights. I taught myself how to retouch, and so can you.
No excuses!
