Firstly we would like to point out these are the expressed views of Boots Creative + The Coffee Table book and what we apply to our business.
Photo retouching is about enhancing images and the people who appear in the photos. Enhancing one’s appearance is very different to making you look like a different version of you or even look like someone completely different. We believe in enhancing your features because sometimes digital photography just can’t read the light well enough or simply the right light is not available, or the photos have been taken by an inexperienced photographer and not exposed correctly.
Ahhh but that is where Boots Creative comes in – we have the retouching skills and tools {as well as being professional photographers} to be able to correct such problems, and in every case we can make improvements on the image files provided – depending upon the quality and file sizes may just depend on how much of an improvement, but we can guarantee in every case the image will be improved.
We use a little toolbox called the computer to enhance where more or less light should be, remove any blemishes or spots that aren’t usually part of your face, and generally enhance the colour and contrast so the images pop, but we do leave any features you were born with unless you ask really nicely for it to be removed because it detracts from the point of focus.
We wanted to explain the terminology we use throughout our website and product catalogue in relation to photo retouching/manipulation, so you are clear as to what you are getting for your money when you order a product from Boots Creative + The Coffee Table Book.
We do not practice digital cosmetic surgery or digital liposuction techniques which technically is called ‘liquifying’ or simply put, we wont make you skinnier, nose smaller, give you bigger lips etc., basically change the shape of your body because we truly believe, and I know its a cliche, but beauty comes from within and the best thing you can do in front of the camera is relax and let your personality shine through so you will be remembered for the true person you are and not some digitally manipulated image.
Below are some terms you might hear in relation to our editing and their meanings, and we have also included a slideshow of images to help explain :
Out of Camera – this means exactly that, the images taken straight off the memory card with no editing applied to the photos.
Basic Retouching – all the images are colour corrected and contrast applied ensuring your photos will be full of life. This does not include any spot retouching – ie. removal of spots/blemishes on the skin, improve bags or dark circles under eyes, or any other specific or targeted corrections to the photographs.
Advanced Retouching – is applied to images that are used in any products such as wedding albums, coffee table books, portrait albums, canvases, wall prints, print boxes, etc. All images have Basic Retouching applied first to enhance the photo. The images receive removal of spots/blemishes on the skin, either removal or lightening of bags or circles under eyes and wrinkles {this technique is age dependent – for example, on an older person where you would expect the person to have some wrinkles, we soften them to help the eyes standout, but do not completely remove them as that is falsely representing a person}. We also clean up any highlight spots, signs, or distracting objects and people in the background of the photos.
Creative Retouching/Editing/Effects – again is applied to images that are used in any products such as wedding albums, coffee table books, portrait albums, canvases, wall prints, print boxes, etc. All images have Basic and Advanced Retouching applied first to enhance the photo. Creative Retouching can include effects such as colour treatments {ie. colour tonings such as warm black & white effects otherwise known as chocolate tones or the modern day version of sepia}, textures, stylised effects such as vintage, distressed or aged looks, borders, vignetting, focusing effects, etc. These type of effects work especially well in albums, books and on canvases.
For us photographers, good even great photography is all about the right light and composition. This is where an experienced professional photographer has the knowledge to capture a well exposed and composed photograph. We urge you to use a professional photographer as you will end up with better photos, especially for important events such as weddings, family portraits, graduations etc. However, if you decide for what ever reason to use an amateur photographer or friend with a ‘big-camera’, please make sure you are making an informed decision and research the benefits and costs of using a professional photographer versus an inexperienced camera operator. In cases of weddings where the day occurs once, evaluate the risk of hiring a professional photographer who does this day-in day-out for years, uses a range of high quality camera equipment, is use to working under stressful situations and in all weather conditions as well as the ability to organise large groups of people, against taking a chance on a friend who has never or maybe at most one or twice photographed a wedding, to capture your once in a lifetime wedding day memories. Whether you do choose a professional or amateur photographer, Boots Creative + The Coffee Table Book is here to help you create a beautiful wedding album or family album that you will treasure.
by Deborah Boots
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