Not all image retouching is significant - but sometimes it's the difference between an OK image, and a great one.
Being a core part of my skillset, when I see opportunity to improve a client project with image retouching - I'll do it.
Being a core part of my skillset, when I see opportunity to improve a client project with image retouching - I'll do it.
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The original shot is excellent, but retouching it for a tighter composition means it can be larger on small format platforms (social media channels, seen on a cell phone) as well as more impactful with no 'dead' area between the talent and the petri dish subject in large format executions (3m wide conference display banners).
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Changing the talent's clothing colour is the obvious edit - improving the image's engagement as it's aimed at the youthful demographic of a Pub's patrons.
A more subtle improvement is punching up the flames of the fireplace - being mindful not to deceive or over-promise, striking the right balance with realistic improvement. Darkening the forground and under the table area slightly also helps keep the viewer's focus on the main subject of the trio of friends with their meals and drinks in front of the roaring winter fire.
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A good shot made great: the second from left drop coming out of the pipette is just a little too small to convey precision. Likewise, the slight marking on the test tubes on the left draw the viewer's eye. Subtle retouching improves both aspects,
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Another tiny detail - but an important one: The monitor in the source shot doesn't show the software interface - if it were exposed to do that in-camera the rest of the scene would be over exposed.
Rather than tasking the photographer to shoot two exposures to be combined in post processing - a quick retouch gives a strong result with high levels of control over balancing the monitor with the scene. The monitor shows a high resolution screenshot from the instrument itself.
