I
believe that the enhancements done to each ordered portrait are a part of the
creation of each of my images. That being said,though, I also feel strongly
that you must get the image recorded properly in each file so that only mini-
mal retouching, with little or no significant correction, is needed. At first, that
may sound like I’m contradicting myself—but let me explain.
Enhancementis a part of the creation process. It helps give your images a
consistent look that lets them be identified as being your style and your work.
However,correctionsshould only need to be done when it is impossible to cor-
rect problems in the camera room. No matter how good you are at corrective
lighting and posing, for example, you can’t hide braces or make a face attached
to a three-hundred-pound body look thin enough. These issues require cor-
rections. You should not, however, waste time making postproduction correc-
tions for things that can be concealed just by having the client wear the right
clothes, or taking a few seconds to refine a pose and tweak the lighting.
Delegate Postproduction.
I am going to make a bold statement here: if you retouch and enhance your
own images, you’re making a serious mistake—at least from a personal and busi-
ness standpoint. Behind the camera, I can generate a lot of money for my busi-
ness. At home, I can be a father to my children and a husband to my wife,
enjoying times that money can not buy. When I get behind a computer, I have
just replaced a $12/hour employee. I’m either sacrificing my business profit or
my home life, and that’s stupid.
I go to conventions and seminars and hear photographers talking about the
four-minute slideshow they personally spent twenty-three hours designing for
this program. All I can think is, “Why??” (And as that same speaker continues,
don’t be surprised if he mentions that he has just said goodbye to wife number
three and can’t figure out why he can’t find a good woman!) What can be ac-
114 JEFF SMITH’S GUIDE TO HEAD AND SHOULDERS PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY9. Postproduction.
I feel strongly that
you must get the image
recorded properly
in each file.
FACING PAGE—Simple retouching with the
Clone tool is used to optimize each sub-
ject’s complexion.