Photo Retoucher

A Photo Retoucher is a professional who edits and enhances digital photographs to create the desired look and feel. Photo retouching is typically used to improve the quality of a photograph, enhance its composition, or alter its appearance in some way.

Some alternate titles for Photo Retoucher are:

• Digital Retoucher: Digital Retouchers use computer software to alter various aspects of digital photos and images. A Digital Retoucher is in charge of reviewing images to determine which ones require editing.
• Photo Editor: Photo Editors are responsible for editing digital photos from various sources, such as digital cameras and scanned images. They use image editing software to adjust digital photos' brightness, contrast, color, and other aspects.
• Digital Imaging Technician: Digital Imaging Technicians are responsible for digitally preparing and manipulating photographic images. They work with photographers, art directors, and other creative professionals to create the perfect image for each project.

Some responsibilities of a Photo Retoucher are:

• Hiring specialist photographers and negotiating fees as needed, as well as obtaining photo rights and permission to shoot in specific locations.
• Editing and artistically positioning photographs to accompany texts, timely submission of photographic designs for approval, receiving feedback from editorial teams and making necessary changes.
• Coordinating photography assignments, assigning projects to in-house photographers, consulting with the editorial team, coming up with creative ideas, and maintaining professional photo records in the new asset tracking system, including appending metadata and labeling images accurately; supervising the printing of in-house proofs and color output files before going to press; and facilitating file movement and distribution between necessary parties and departments.

Major educational qualifications required for Photo Retoucher are:

• Must have a diploma or bachelor's degree in photography, graphic design, visual communication, or a related field.

Retoucher offers a diverse range of career opportunities that are constantly evolving. Photoshop Retoucher has become an exciting and lucrative career choice for many Indian youths due to the rise of Media, Advertising, and Fashion Photography. Beginning as a Photo Retoucher, one can advance to Graphic Designer, Web Designer, and Web Developer. One could eventually become a Director of Digital Marketing, Web Content, or Vice-President of Marketing & Communications. Some alternate job roles for Photo Retouchers are:

• Graphic Designer: Creates visually appealing designs for various mediums, combining artistic talent with technical expertise.
• Photo Manipulator: Expertly alters and enhances photographs using advanced editing techniques, resulting in stunning and unique visual effects.
• Photo Manipulation Artist: Masterfully transforms images through creative and skillful editing, showcasing an artistic flair in every project.
• Film Processor: Processes and develops film rolls, ensuring high-quality prints and preserving precious moments captured on camera.
• Film Technician: Operates and maintains filmmaking equipment, contributing to the smooth production and delivery of cinematic works.
• Photo Laboratory Technician: Manages and maintains the photo laboratory, overseeing the process of printing and developing photographs with precision and expertise.
• Photo Mask Processor: Produces high-quality photo masks, an essential component of the photolithography process in the semiconductor industry.
• Photo Printer: Utilizes advanced printing techniques to produce vibrant and accurate prints, ensuring the highest image quality for various applications.

Photographers' career opportunities have expanded dramatically in recent years. It is expected that the Indian Stock Photography market will reach 120 crores by 2025, creating significant opportunities for Photo Artists.
The photography business in India is estimated at more than Rs.1 lakh crores, and it is growing by 25-30% yearly. Digital Photography has completely revolutionized photography and has rendered the film-based photography industry obsolete. The shift toward digital technology has opened up enormous opportunities for startups and has made traditional photography companies - like Kodak or Konica feel pressured.