Nathan LaDuke
A photo retoucher’s job is basically, to sum it all up, a person who goes into a picture and digitally enhances it to make people look better. For example a model might have a mole right on her forehead so a photo retoucher’s would go in and take that mole away. Another example is fat. Some models are a little chubbier then what the directors want them to be, so the photo retoucher’s go in and take away the fat in the picture.
This job is very interesting because you don’t need a degree to be a freelancing photo retoucher. It said that a degree in graphic design might impress a client but the real decision comes in with the amount of talent you have in this job. You could have a degree in graphic design and photography and still lose a job to a person straight out of high school if he/she is better then you. All the client wants is a good picture, they don’t care who does it as long as it gets done and it gets done good.
The average yearly income for a photo retoucher is around $75,000 a year. This number can greatly vary depending on your location and if the client likes you or not. It can also vary depending on how big the project is and how much time it would take to do it. If a client doesn’t like you that can have a huge affect on how much you will make. So basically suck up to your clients.
This is a necessary job because it helps magazines and model shoots sell for more because it makes them look better. Most jobs that require photo retouching are jobs that have to do with models. This job also helps pictures look better. Say there is a picture of two people at a wedding and they really wanted it there but it has a dust spot on it. A photo retoucher can go in a take that away with a couple clicks.
Some interesting facts about a photo retoucher is that this is a job that you can do at home. You never have to leave you house. I was looking around on the internet and I found a bidding going on for a job for photo retouching. Someone can post a job up on the web and you can go on the internet, get the job, do the work at your house and then have the money sent to you. Like I said before, the clients usually don’t care who is doing the job just as long as the job gets done and it gets done the way they want.