Case Studies of Digital Retouching
It’s no exaggeration to say that the advent of digital tools in a photographer’s studio has been revolutionary. Of course the special effects that software companies use to market their products are dazzling, but the real revolution comes from being able to overcome the obstacles real life sometimes puts in the photographer’s way. Some case studies from the FAYFOTO archives might help to explain what we mean.
Half of Success is Showing Up
At least that used to be the conventional wisdom. Today’s business reality is such that it can be very difficult to get everyone in the same room at the same time. But there are still times when a group shot is needed. Digital editing permits a nearly perfect reunion. Of course the process can be aided with careful planning. If the photographer knows there are people missing, space can be left in the initial photo, and notes as to lighting, camera and lens ensure that the individuals photographed at a subsequent session will fit with a minimum of effort.
Below you can see how two photographs have been made into one group shot.
The Eyes Have It
Staying with the group shot theme for a while - getting everyone’s eyes open at the same time is sometimes just impossible. Digital editing allows us to change that situation by “borrowing” another set of eyes, either from another frame in which that individual’s eyes were open, or, if things are desperate, from another individual in the shot!
Making a Spectacle…
FAYFOTO photographers are extremely careful to avoid reflections in eye glasses. Nevertheless, some glasses are so convex or so reflective that lighting the glasses compromises lighting the face. Retouching this can be unexpectedly difficult because what’s behind the glare has to be recreated from other areas, but here is an example of what can be done:
background information…
Sometimes backgrounds need to be changed to match pre-existing photography. The first pair of images demonstrates changing a gray background to a blue, matching previous portraits.
Other times, circumstances require that a photograph be taken in an office, but the clutter needs to be eliminated, giving the sense of a studio portrait. In either case, image editing can make a profound difference in the usefulness of an image.
Reflecting badly…
In the Studio, image editing of product photographs has shifted from expensive pre-press service bureaus to the photo set. There are times when what would have been previously impossible or else extremely expensive now becomes part of the photo shoot work flow. A case in point is unsightly reflections. Shiny objects naturally reflect their environment. However, when shooting digitally it’s no problem at all to take a second shot without the props causing the reflection, and then merge the two shots into one completely believable composite.
Sign of the Times…
Corporate identities change. It’s unavoidable… businesses merge, names change. Sometimes the physical structures are slow in catching up. In this example, the signage of the building needed to be modified for press purposes before the actual sign was created. We filled the sign area with the concrete pattern and created the new sign from scratch. While we were at it, we modified the landscaping at the request of the client!
the original photo:
retouched:
The Hand Off…
The board of directors of this corporation were all close friends. The spontaneous gesture of camaraderie was later determined to be a little too informal. Removing the hand meant recreating the shoulder, but digital editing made it both possible and believable.
Of course this page could go on and on. Blemishes can be removed, hair whisps can be controlled, loose neckties can be tightened… But let’s leave it at this: Digital editing can polish the details of a photo, and FAYFOTO has the tools and experience to do it for you. There is a cost associated with retouching, but often the cost/benefit equation is more than justified. Give us a call to see what we can do for you!