Retouching Portraits??

[mt1932]

Hi everyone.
I have always had a passion for photography and FINALLY I am taking some classes. I would like to start a side business - as right now I work full time. Here's the question: Do most photographers retouch their own photos before sending them to the lab? I am familiar with photoshop and the healing brush, etc. but I'm not sure how to get that overall clear skin glow that professional photos have. I know it can be done - but it all takes time... and that's my question - do it yourself or have the lab retouch? If you do it yourself, can anyone recommend training - books, dvd, classes, online tutorials? I just don't want to over do it!

[photochic]

I do all my own retouching, I deal with kids mainly so I dont do much retouching. But I would say to get the very best out of portrait photography is to stay away from heavy retouching, to the point to subject looks like plastic/fake. You can go to youtube and find some great tutorials on retouching or just search the web. Not sure about what books are out there, I learned most of what i know from reading forums, articles online.

Good Luck!!

[pressp]

I do all of my own retouching

[Killeenguy]

I've apprenticed with a photographer for 3 years now learning essential knowledge to providing photographs. in that time I've learned different parts to photography, but speaking from experience the more your involved in your business the highest profit you can earn. I really think it would be best to learn how to re-touch on your own.

[Charles Putnam]

Retouching in Photoshop really isn't that difficult (just don't tell your clients that). There are a number of good books and DVD's (www.kelbytraining.com) on the subject. Add into that free video podcasts (thru iTunes) on Photoshop. Retouching in some sort is often a topic.

[tjones0214]

I agree with Charles. Just dive into the app. I'm a NAPP member (www.photoshopuser.com) and subscribe to Kelbytraining.com. Both are fantastic resources that are well worth the $$. My suggestion is to go month-to-month with Kelbytraining.com. If you have the time, you can run through most of the PS stuff in under a month. You can always go back and re-activate your account if you see something new come up. Things are a little slow on both sites right now as Photoshop World is the first week in April--that's THE big NAPP conference. If you really want to jump in, PM me and I'll be glad to share the resources I know of and my experience. Good luck.

[mt1932]

Thanks so much for the advice from everyone. I am a NAPP member... I've used photoshop at work (for web and print graphics). I looked at some of the Kelby training - I'll look at youtube too. I've done some of the effects - under eye bags, blemish removal, teeth brighten - In my photography classes my instructor really likes photoshop but also recommends Alien Skin's Image Doctor II (I believe it's a plug in). Since I'm inexperienced in working with professional labs... I just question that once I do the retouch and it appears to look good on my monitor - will it print well or look plastic? - I guess trial and error is the only way to find out! Thanks to everyone!