Description

The job of a photo retoucher is to make adjustments and improvements to a range of images, and then create new images from original ones typically using popular software like Adobe Photoshop. The majority of photo retouchers work for companies and magazines in the fields of advertising design, film and media Their work typically involves cleaning up images that can be viewed to the public, and altering skin textures, changing hues and other adjustments to produce specific designs.

Photo retouchers typically work in the departments for graphic design and multimedia of businesses. They typically are part of teams of 4 to 5 individuals and are usually supervised by the people who are responsible for the direction and policies of specific projects.

The requirements for education vary for this position as well as those who have an undergraduate degree are preferred by certain employers. If you don't possess a degree, a substantial experience in the field (especially in the field of graphic design) is highly valuable. A lot of companies will prefer people with more working experience than those with academic qualifications.

The work schedule of a photo retoucher is not every day. Based on the business that they work for it is possible that they are called upon to work after hours or work on weekends. This is especially true when they have a large project that has to be completed within a certain date. There's some flexibility with this work, since some photo retouchers do work from home, and freelance work may be offered and.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Photo Retoucher with 0-3 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Enhance and improve the visual quality of digital photographs through color correction, retouching, and manipulation techniques.
  • Collaborate with photographers and clients to understand their specific requirements and provide creative solutions to meet their expectations.
  • Ensure accuracy and attention to detail by meticulously removing blemishes, smoothing skin, adjusting lighting, and enhancing overall composition.
  • Maintain a proficient understanding of industry-standard photo editing software and stay updated with emerging trends and techniques to continually enhance your skills and deliver high-quality results.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Photo Retoucher job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficiency in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or Capture One to retouch and enhance digital images.
  • Strong attention to detail and a keen eye for color, composition, and lighting to ensure the final images meet client specifications and artistic requirements.
  • Solid understanding of digital photography principles and techniques to efficiently retouch photos, including knowledge of color correction, skin smoothing, and object removal.
  • Time management skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining a high level of quality and accuracy in image editing.

Essential Skills For Photo Retoucher

1

Image Processing

2

Adobe Photoshop

3

Photo Editing

4

Image Optimization

5

Editing skills

Skills That Affect Photo Retoucher Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Adobe Photoshop

2%

Career Prospects

The role of a Photo Retoucher is essential in enhancing and editing images to meet clients' requirements. In the United Kingdom, with 0-3 years of experience, professionals in this field can explore various alternative roles. Here are following options to consider:

  • Graphic Designer: A role that involves creating visual concepts, using software tools to design graphics, layouts, and illustrations for various purposes.
  • Digital Imaging Specialist: A position focused on optimizing digital images, using advanced editing techniques, and ensuring high-quality outputs for websites, social media, and other digital platforms.
  • Content Creator: A role that entails creating engaging visual content for online platforms, including photos, videos, and graphics, to attract and retain audiences.
  • Advertising Retoucher: A position in the advertising industry that involves enhancing product images, creating captivating visuals for advertisements, and ensuring high visual appeal to target audiences.

How to Learn

The role of a Photo Retoucher in the United Kingdom is predicted to experience significant growth in the market. Over the next 10 years, the job role is expected to see a steady increase in demand as more businesses and individuals require retouching services. With advancements in technology and the increasing popularity of social media and e-commerce platforms, the need for skilled photo retouchers is expected to rise. This growth is likely to create numerous employment opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in photo retouching.