Category Archives: Photography

Being a photo retoucher can be an incredibly rewarding career. It’s a great way to combine your love of photography and art with the technical skills necessary for editing photos in order to create stunning visuals that are sure to impress. There are plenty of job opportunities for a photo retoucher nowadays. The Interest in this profession will only grow.

What Does a Photo Retoucher Do?

A Photo Retoucher is a highly skilled professional who specializes in the digital manipulation of images and photographs. They have an eye for detail and can transform an ordinary picture into a work of art. In the days before digital photography, retouching involved cutting and pasting bits of photographic paper to make necessary changes. Today, however, photo retouchers use software like Adobe Photoshop to make precision adjustments to an image.

To become a photo retoucher, one must be highly knowledgeable in the principles of digital photography, visual design, and color theory. A photo retoucher is also a master at using layers, masks, filters and other editing tools available in their program of choice. Their goal is to make subtle changes that enhance the overall look of a photograph without making it appear overly manipulated.

Photo retouchers work with photographers, graphic designers, advertising agencies and other professionals who need their expertise in giving photos the perfect finish. They may be asked to fix red eye, whiten teeth, remove blemishes, add special effects, or enhance the lighting of an image. We teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to discuss How to become a photo retoucher.

Here is what you need to know in order to get started on this creative journey.

Step 1:

Learn the Basics of Photo Retouching – It’s important to understand the basics of photo retouching before diving in. Research different techniques, familiarize yourself with popular software and tools, and practice editing simple images.

Step 2:

Find an Internship or Job – Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to start looking for opportunities. Many companies offer internships or entry-level jobs in photo retouching. You can also look for freelance gigs on websites such as Upwork or Fiverr.

Step 3:

Keep Developing Your Skills – It’s important to keep up with the latest trends in photo retouching. Take courses, read articles, and practice different techniques.

Step 4:

Connect With Other Photo Retouchers – Networking is an important part of any career. Reach out to other professionals in the industry and learn from their experiences. You can also join online forums such as Reddit or Facebook groups to connect with other retouchers.

Step 5:

Take on Different Types of Projects – Variety is key in photo retouching. Get experience working on different types of projects such as fashion, product photography, and wedding shots. This will help you diversify your portfolio and gain more clients.

Step 6:

Ask for Feedback – As you work on more projects, ask your clients to provide feedback. This will help you identify areas of improvement and craft better photos each time.

Step 7:

Market Your Work – Once you feel confident in your photo retouching skills, start promoting yourself. Upload images to sites like Behance or Dribbble, reach out to potential clients, and run targeted advertising campaigns.

Closing Thoughts

Becoming a successful photo retoucher requires dedication and hard work. You need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, practice different techniques, and take on various types of projects. It’s also important to build relationships within the industry and market your skills so you can attract more clients. If you follow these steps, you should be able to become an expert in no time!

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Japanese photographer Roy Iwasaki captured dreamy-looking photos of trees from his hometown Hokkaido, Japan. “I love to photograph trees, especially ones in my hometown of Hokkaido (Japan). When I see a single tree standing in the middle of a vast snowfield in winter, it is like looking at a work of art created by nature. Especially these days, when I see a tree, I am always thinking about how to express the beauty of the tree. Trees are important to many different creatures.”

You can find more info about Roy Iwasaki:

#1 “Safe Haven For Ezo Red Fox”

Ten years ago, while driving through the picturesque countryside of my birthplace, Shibetsu City, I stumbled upon a scene so beautiful that I was compelled to capture it on film. It was a tree standing tall and proud in a vast snowfield, illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun. This moment ignited a passion within me for photographing trees, particularly those in my hometown of Hokkaido, Japan.

#2 “A Couple Of Sakura”

#3 “Winter Is Gone”

Today, I make a daily pilgrimage to this beautiful region, capturing the essence of trees and their connection to the people and animals that inhabit the area. Trees have always been an object of fascination for me, not just because of their natural beauty but also because of how they exist in harmony with man-made objects. I choose to photograph during the morning or evening hours, when the light is most dramatic and the trees come alive with a certain mystique.

#4 “Stretching Fox”

#5 “Frozen Puddle”

In a world full of negativity, with issues such as war, infectious diseases, and energy problems looming large, it can often be difficult to find happiness in our immediate surroundings. Trees and animals are an essential source of healing, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility to our lives. Through my photography, I hope to inspire others to look for and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, even in the most unexpected of places.

#6 “Moonlight And Blue Pond”

#7 “Indigo Blue”

One place that has always held a special place in my heart is the Tree of Friends, a beautiful location in Shibetsu City. I recall one particular evening, when I was standing shoulder to shoulder with a now-deceased senior photographer, capturing the stunning scenery. He called this place the Tree of Friends, and I was struck by how the trees seemed to stand united, facing the sun in unison. Sadly, the trees have since been cut down to make way for farmland, a painful reminder of the ephemeral nature of life.

#8 “Only For Two People”

#9 “Winter Of Silence”

Photography has allowed me to find solace in the natural world, and the trees have become an endless source of inspiration and joy. The morning and evening sun, in particular, hold a special allure, with their ever-changing colors and shadows. Although I don’t have any specific projects planned for the future, I will continue to seek out new ways of expressing myself through my art, taking one step at a time in pursuit of a deeper understanding of the beauty that surrounds us.

#10 “Winter Blue Pond”

#11 “The Tree Of Silence”

#12 “Sunlight”

#13 “Moon & Tree”

#14 “Conceptual”

#15 “Blue Pond Of Late Autumn”

#16 “River Tree”

#17 “One Tree”

#18 “Illuminated Blue Pond”

#19 “Blue Pond Light Up”

#20 “Tree Of Friends”

#21 “Loneliness”

#22 “Trees In The Sun”

#23 “Alone”

#24 “Lonely”

#25 “Sunshine”

#26 “Flow”

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Sometimes it takes serendipity for magic to happen. That’s true for capturing the perfect moment with a camera, and it was also true for Las Fotos Project. They’re a nonprofit organization that teaches and mentors youth from communities of color in the art, craft, and business of photography.

“All the boys in the workshop dropped out,” recounts Lucia Torres, executive director of Las Fotos Project, on the early days of their project. “That’s actually the reason why we ended up being an all-teen girl and gender-expansive youth organization.”

Photo by Las Fotos Project student Sawyer Sarinana.

The mission of Las Fotos has largely been shaped around that sudden departure of boys. The project allowed teen girls and gender-expansive youth a creative space to express themselves in a way in which they weren’t allowed elsewhere.

“The things that the young women were expressing [in] that workshop are things that they wouldn’t have expressed if there were other people who didn’t have their experiences in the room, a-k-a boys,” says Torres.

Las Fotos Project students, who receive individual mentorship from 35-40 volunteer photographers and artists, have found a much needed emotional outlet in photography. 

“They can be vulnerable … and not be judged for what they’re thinking or how they’re feeling,” says Torres. ”We don’t want them to continue bottling up what they’ve been bottling up for long periods of time now.”

Today, Las Fotos is not just a creative safe space, but an organization with more ambitious aims. They offer equipment, guidance, and moral support to students who are hoping to use their newly learned skills for a potential career in photography, or just to make a few bucks as a freelancer. 

“Our students after learning these technical skills [came] back saying, ‘My neighbor wants to hire me for a quinceañera. What do I charge them?’” recalls Torres.

Las Fotos Project students are also encouraged not just to turn the lens on themselves, but also on the people and issues in their communities that may be less visible in mainstream media. 

“Recently, we’ve had a lot of students highlighting small businesses who have either really struggled under COVID, or are being very resilient and very creative, with the work that they’re doing in the community,” explains Torres. 

The opportunity to document and express, to learn and refine, has also extended outside of the communities of color Las Fotos Project students live in. Angel City FC, LA’s professional women’s soccer team, allows students to be on the field to document live games.

“I would be frightened to death,” jokes Torres. “[But] they’re gaining these wonderful experiences and opportunities to really grow in the field, and become professional photographers.”

Photo by Las Fotos Project student Mia Figueroa.

• Between classes, Charis Cheung runs a photography side hustle focused on creative and editorial images.
• Cheung booked five figures in revenue last year, some of which came from passive income streams.
• She explains how she leveraged TikTok to find clients and earns passive income from her side hustle.

When Charis Cheung isn’t pursuing her undergraduate degree at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, she’s running her photography side hustle. 

What began as a hobby she adopted when was 7 has developed into a photography business called Charis Cheung Photography, which specializes in editorial and creative imagery. In between classes, the 19-year-old can be found shooting album covers for emerging musicians or snapping photos of influencers for their social-media feeds.

Cheung is one of many Gen Zers who’ve adopted freelancing recently, according to Upwork’s “Freelance Forward 2022” report, which studied 3,000 professionals. Last year, 46% of millennial professionals and 43% of Gen Z professionals surveyed performed freelance work.

Cheung’s work ranges between three and 12 clients a month, each of which requires about five or six hours shooting and editing. She also earns passive income by selling her “presets,” or a series of photo edits that others can purchase and lay over their own photos to achieve a similar look to Cheung’s style. She booked five figures in revenue in 2022, $2,000 of which came passively through the presets.

She shared how she built and scaled a photography side hustle. This is an as-told-to story based on an interview that has been slightly edited for length and clarity. 

Defining my style helped me find customers

Cheung

I’d describe my style as glowy and ethereal, but it took me years to get to this point. I started taking photos when I was in middle school using my iPad or my mom’s camera. Then I bought a Canon EOS 80D and started asking friends if they wanted to do shoots. 

I found inspiration from photographers on Instagram and YouTube, and I’d practice their techniques and styles with my friends. Over time, I created my own style.

Creating that style helped me find clients I was excited about. Instead of traditional headshots or graduation shoots, I’ve been able to work with creatives like me in music, art, and fashion.

TikTok changed my business trajectory

The majority of my clients found me on TikTok. The less I post on TikTok, the fewer clients I have, and vice versa. It’s also been great for generating customers in other creative fields because many of them use TikTok for work, too.

To help prospective clients understand how I work, I share both my behind-the-scenes footage of photo shoots and my final work. I also make sure to include the hashtags #photographer and #LAphotographer because clients often use TikTok as a search engine to find professionals in their area.

Cheung

I expanded my services to include passive income streams 

Earlier in the pandemic, I also developed my own “presets.” That was a cool milestone in my career because people liked my work and my editing style enough to purchase it for themselves.

It’s also a good way to make money. I created the presets while editing, which I would have done anyway to edit my own work, and sold them. Now I get random bunches of money automatically deposited into my account, from $10 to $50. 

Cheung

I also sell my services as a creative director, where I work on styling, props, and the vision for the shoot. It’s a way to make additional money because clients pay extra for the concept curation, especially singer-songwriters who need a unique idea for their album art.

What I love most about all these jobs is planning the entire idea based on my creativity.

With the flash of a camera, Maureen Feeley and Dave Caramello of Evoke Tintype can open a portal to another time.

Their subjects’ eyes gleam like quicksilver, their faces rendered in varying shades of black and white. If not for the 21st century details — a nose ring here, a modern haircut there — it might even be difficult to tell whether these photos were taken in 2023, or 150 years prior. 

In their Revere studio, armed with a 1940s’ Deardorff camera, Feeley and Caramello are able to capture the magic of tintype, an antiquated form of photography dating back to the Civil War era. The method uses UV-sensitive collodion to create photographs on thin pieces of metal, resulting in a black-and-white image with stunning detail. 

“They almost look three-dimensional when you see them, and the way people are photographed, their eyes are almost alive in the photo,” Caramello told Boston.com in a recent interview.

The couple came across tintype by pure coincidence after delving into photography during the early days of the pandemic. Feeley stumbled upon a tintype image while parsing through YouTube videos to learn about composition and technique.

“And that was it for me,” she recalled. “I was blown away, and I just knew I wanted to learn how to do it, and luckily Dave came along with me and we learned together.”

They launched Evoke last April, offering portrait sittings and still-life photos. 

How Evoke Tintype’s process works

“For the most part, we follow everything exactly the way it was done in the 19th century, except for the fact that we’re using strobe lighting in our studio,” Caramello explained. “Back in the 1800s, they used natural light, so they were long exposures where people would have to sit for 20, 30 seconds at a time — sometimes as long as a minute.”

“That’s why nobody was smiling,” Feeley laughed.

Between exposing, developing, and varnishing the plate, it takes about 15 minutes to make one tintype, Caramello said.

Given how slow the process can be, “I think the sitter gets a little more relaxed, and they let their guard down a little bit,” Feeley said. “So people aren’t, I think, as nervous when they’re getting their picture taken because it’s just so slow, you just have to kind of relax.”

She said children are some of her favorite subjects to photograph. 

“I just feel like their personality comes through, because you can’t really make them pose a certain way,” Feeley explained, recalling one small child who refused to smile for the camera, instead folding his arms defiantly. 

“His photo kind of looks like the spirit of Tony Soprano,” Caramello cracked.

Unlike other photographs, tintypes show a reversed image — in other words, how you would see yourself in the mirror. 

“So people look more familiar to themselves, and so many people have said, ‘This is the best picture I’ve seen of myself,’” Feeley said.  

Tintype photographs are also near-grainless, Caramello said. 

“So when you see a tintype image, it’s probably the clearest image that you’ve ever seen in a photograph in general, never mind a photograph of yourself,” he said. “There isn’t a digital camera made today — or an analog camera, for that matter — that can capture images with such sharpness and detail as tintypes.”

Making a memory

Evoke advertises as an add-on experience for Airbnb guests staying in Boston, which has allowed Feeley and Caramello to meet travelers from all over the world. They said they also get a lot of couples looking for a unique date night activity. 

“When you come to the studio, you can actually join us in the dark room,” Caramello said. “You can see the plate being made; you can see the plate being developed.”

Evoke has gained momentum in the months since its launch, helped along by word-of-mouth advertising. The business has also participated in the Boston Open Market in Copley Square and led workshops and demonstrations at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum and Hunt’s Photo. 

“One of the things that I find that’s kind of unique is how many young people are interested in the process,” Caramello said. “I figured we would get older folks kind of longing for the past, but there’s so many young folks that have probably never even seen an analog camera, let alone experienced using one.”

A musician before he got into sales and marketing, Caramello said he enjoys being back in an artistic field. 

Feeley, meanwhile, said her favorite part of the process is knowing “we’re making a memory that’s going to last forever for the person.”

“These pictures they’ll have hopefully for generations to be passed down in their family,” she said. “And that’s really special.”

The post Blast from the past: Evoke Tintype in Revere keeps Civil War-era photography technique alive appeared first on Boston.com.

Camera and photography website Digital Photography Review, also known as DPReview, will be shutting down after 25 years, amid multiple rounds of layoffs announced by parent company Amazon in recent months.

Established in November 1998, the website, which provides in-depth reviews of cameras, related accessories, and various forums for photography enthusiasts, had more than 750,000 followers across its social media accounts as of Wednesday.

The website will remain active until April 10, said DPReview’s general manager Scott Everett on Tuesday in a statement on its website.

After April 10, the site will be locked, with no further updates made. It will still be available in read-only mode for a limited period afterwards.

Users of the site can request a download of all the photos and text they have uploaded to the site, which will be available until April 6.

Describing it as a “difficult decision”, Mr Everett attributed the closure to the “annual operating plan review that our parent company shared earlier this year”. He included a link to Amazon’s Jan 5 announcement by its chief executive officer Andy Jassy, who said then that more “role reductions” were expected in early 2023.

DPReview’s editorial team is still working on reviews and looking forward to delivering some of its best-ever content, said Mr Everett.

“Everyone on our staff was a reader and fan of DPReview before working here, and we’re grateful for the communities that formed around the site,” he said.

“Thank you for your support over the years, and we hope you’ll join us in the coming weeks as we celebrate this journey.”

Commenters on its various posts announcing its closure paid tribute to the content and resources DPReview provided, expressing dismay at the development.

“Really sorry to hear it. Your reviews and charts are the gold standard for photography,” said a commenter, adding that DPReview helped him make “countless informed purchases”.

Photographers and birdwatchers alike are set to enjoy enhanced stability and convenience with the introduction of two new 26mm leg-diameter travel tripods designed for spotting scopes and photography. The VEO 3T 265HAP (aluminium) and the VEO 3T 265HCP (carbon) tripods are equipped with an Arca-compatible 2-way pan head, ensuring maximum stability and ease of use for both amateur and professional photographers.

Featuring an Arca-compatible base, these new tripods enable excellent compatibility with a wide range of baseplates and L-Bracket that feature the Arca design.

The control over the camera position can easily be adjusted by means of the two locking knobs, one for tilt and one for panning. The permanently attached pan handle eliminates the risk of losing it while on the go and conveniently folds into the legs when packed away to avoid obstruction.

Measuring just 44cm when folded, the tripods are compact and lightweight, with the aluminium model weighing as little as 1640g. This makes them perfect for packing in a suitcase or even hand luggage for photographers constantly on the move. Despite their compact size, the tripods can extend to a maximum height of 1.6 meters, or 1.2 meters, with the central column down. 

The 26mm legs can support up to 6kg, making them ideal for even the tallest birdwatcher or photographer using a heavy spotting scope.

The tripods also feature a retractable hook at the base of the central column, allowing users to attach additional weight for added stability. This design feature especially benefits those capturing images in challenging outdoor conditions.

Photographers looking to create videos with their cameras can also benefit from these new tripods. The easy-to-use panhandle and smooth motion make capturing professional-quality video footage a breeze. For increased versatility, one of the tripod legs can be converted into a monopod, while a low-angle adapter and attachable spiked feet are also included.

The 2-way pan head is designed for both landscape and portrait shots, thanks to the Arca-compatible QS-65 quick-release plate with four sides. To capture portrait shots, users simply need to push the head forward to a position where the camera points toward the ground, then attach the camera pointing left or right.

Those seeking a lighter and smaller alternative can consider the VEO 3T 235AP (aluminium) or the VEO 3T 235CP (carbon) models, which feature a 23mm leg. With maximum heights of 154cm (60″) and 163cm (64″) for the aluminium and carbon models, respectively, these tripods offer a more compact option while maintaining the same robust support.

The VEO 3T 235AP and VEO 3T 235CP models weigh 1650g (3.6 lbs) and 1500g (3.3 lbs), respectively, making them a lighter choice for photographers prioritizing portability. 

The aluminium and carbon models have an RRP of £219.99 and £279.99, respectively, while the taller VEO 3T 265HAP and VEO 3T 265HCP models are priced at £249.99 and £319.99.

For more information, check out vanguardworld.co.uk

If you’re considering buying a new camera, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that you get the best camera for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore five essential things you should know before purchasing a new camera.

Determine Your Photography Needs

Determining your photography needs is an important step before buying a new camera. This involves assessing what type of photography you plan to do, as well as your level of experience and desired outcome.

If you’re an amateur photographer, you may just be looking for a camera that takes high-quality photos of family and friends, or captures memories while on vacation. In this case, a point-and-shoot camera or a mid-range camera with basic features could be suitable.

On the other hand, if you’re a professional photographer, you may require a high-end camera with advanced features to capture photos for clients or for your portfolio. You may also need different lenses and other accessories to get the desired effect in your photos.

It’s also essential to consider what types of photography you plan to do. For example, if you’re interested in landscape photography, you may want a camera with a wide-angle lens and good low-light performance. If you plan to shoot portraits, you may need a camera with a fast autofocus system and the ability to capture shallow depth-of-field.

Research Camera Types

Researching camera types is a critical step before purchasing a new camera. There are several types of cameras available in the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

One type of camera is the point-and-shoot camera, which is small and easy to use. Point-and-shoot cameras are designed for casual photographers who want a camera that can be easily carried around and used in everyday situations. They typically have fixed lenses and limited manual controls, but are convenient and affordable.

Another type of camera is the mirrorless camera, which is similar in size to point-and-shoot cameras but offers more advanced features. Mirrorless cameras use electronic viewfinders instead of traditional optical viewfinders, which can make them easier to use in low light conditions. They also typically have interchangeable lenses and manual controls, making them popular among enthusiasts and professionals.

The third type of camera is the DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera, which is the traditional choice for professional photographers. DSLRs have a mirror and prism system that reflects light from the lens into an optical viewfinder, allowing for a clear and accurate preview of the image. They offer advanced manual controls and interchangeable lenses, and are capable of capturing high-quality images in a variety of situations.

Each camera type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your photography needs and preferences before choosing a camera. If you prioritize portability and convenience, a point-and-shoot or mirrorless camera may be the best choice. If you require more advanced features and manual control, a mirrorless or DSLR camera may be a better fit. By researching camera types, you can select the camera that best suits your needs and helps you achieve your photography goals.

Consider Camera Features

When considering camera features, it’s important to think about what kind of photography you plan to do and what you want to achieve with your camera. Here are some features to consider when choosing a camera:

1. Megapixels: Megapixels determine the resolution of your camera’s images. Higher megapixel counts can produce sharper and more detailed images, but they also require more storage space.
2. Sensor size: The size of the camera’s sensor can affect image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Larger sensors generally perform better in low light and produce better image quality overall.
3. ISO range: ISO measures the camera’s sensitivity to light. Cameras with a wider ISO range can perform better in low-light conditions without requiring a flash.
4. Autofocus system: The autofocus system determines how quickly and accurately your camera can focus on your subject. More advanced autofocus systems can track moving subjects and focus more accurately in low light.
5. Image stabilization: Image stabilization can help reduce blur caused by camera shake, particularly when shooting at slow shutter speeds or with longer focal lengths.
6. Video capabilities: If you plan to shoot video, consider a camera with good video capabilities, such as 4K resolution or slow-motion capabilities.
7. Connectivity: Some cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities, which can allow for easy sharing and transferring of photos.

By considering these features, you can choose a camera that meets your specific photography needs and goals. Remember to also consider your budget, as more advanced features may come with a higher price tag.

Set a Budget

Setting a budget is an important step when buying a new camera. Cameras can range in price from a few hundred dollars for basic models to several thousand dollars for high-end cameras with advanced features.

It’s important to consider how much you are willing to spend on a camera before you start shopping. Setting a budget will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.

When setting your budget, consider your photography needs and goals. If you’re a beginner or only plan to use your camera for casual photography, you may not need to spend as much as a professional photographer who requires more advanced features.

It’s also important to consider additional costs, such as lenses, memory cards, and camera bags. These accessories can add up quickly, so be sure to factor them into your budget.

Once you’ve set your budget, do some research to find cameras within your price range that meet your needs. You may be able to find deals on older models or refurbished cameras that can help you save money without sacrificing quality.

Remember, a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee better quality. By setting a budget and doing your research, you can find a camera that meets your needs and fits within your budget.

Protect Your Investment

Once you’ve purchased a camera, it’s important to protect it. Camera insurance protects your camera and photography equipment from a variety of perils, including theft, accidental damage, and loss. Some camera manufacturers offer insurance plans, but there are also third-party insurance providers that offer comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price. Be sure to read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and any limitations or exclusions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing a new camera can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it’s important to do your research and determine your photography needs before making a purchase. Consider camera types and features, set a budget, and don’t forget to protect your investment with camera insurance. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning photographs with your new camera.

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