ConradDigital » Pro-Torials

Adjusting Dynamic Range

by conraddigital December 23, 2015 in Color Correction & Theory, Pro-Torials 0 comments

Workflow is REAL important and getting into the habit of separating your retouching from your color moves is ULTRA important. Especially if you want to work professionally. I developed this video to share how I initially set the overall color and density of an image prior to retouching using a simple curve. I also briefly discuss the concept of workflow and separation which can save you a great deal of frustration when working on revisions. The reason why I like to initially set the dynamic range prior to retouching is simply to give myself a general idea as to how the image will finish. I've always believed that knowing where you're going is just as important as how you'll get there. Please keep in mind...There's no "one move fits all" approach with digital imaging because every image is different due to exposure, lighting and composition. It's important that you take the time to experiment and play with your images to find just the right feel.

Dodge & Burn Methods Comparison

by conraddigital December 22, 2015 in High-end Techniques, Pro-Torials, Skin & Beauty, Workflow 0 comments

In this 7 minute tutorial I touch on the two main methods for dodging and burning skin in Photoshop. A MUST VIEW for anyone working in beauty photography or seeking to work as a professional beauty retoucher. Here I discuss the "Overlay Mode" technique as well as the "Curves" method of dodging and burning. The "Overlay" technique is faster and simpler to perform and setup than the Curves version as it only uses a single layer to perform both dodging and burning. The "Curves" method takes a few more seconds to prepare, but has a much better separation of the dodging and burning as they are performed on separate curve layers. This is NOT an in depth discussion about dodging and burning, but a simple comparison of the two most popular methods of using the technique. There will DEFINITELY be more in depth tutorials on the art of dodging and burning so stick around!

Using Selective Color in Photoshop

by conraddigital December 21, 2015 in Color Correction & Theory, Pro-Torials 0 comments

The right tool for the job is the theme to this tutorial. Often times we find ourselves trying to accomplish a task, but don't often know which tool to use in order to get the job done in the shortest amount of time. Here we expand on our Color Tools Comparison Case Study by offering up a working example of how and when to use specific color tools for a specific task...in this case Selective Color. The best way to learn is by example, so in the coming months we'll be posting more situations where we'll have to choose the right tool for the job.

Retouching vs Color; Why Keep Them Apart?

by conraddigital December 19, 2015 in Pro-Torials, Workflow 0 comments

Do you have commitment issues? Well, if you're anything like me then you certainly do! What do I mean by this? In my two decades as a professional retoucher I've learned lots of things. Things that should always be done and things that should NEVER be done. One of those "never do" things is combining your color moves with your retouching. If I've seen it once I've seen it a thousand times... inexperienced retouchers working on files that have a bevy of layers interconnected with one another. The client doesn't like how things turned out and like Quincey(1970's drama about a forensic pathologist who has to solve crimes using vague clues), I'm called upon to save the day. What I find is often frustrating- layer upon layer of cloning, curves, comping and all sorts of business combined in an obfuscated way so that even the most seasoned retoucher would have problems figuring out what goes where. DO NOT DO THIS! So, how do we solve this problem? Simple, we learn the proper techniques and develop sound working practices. One of these practices is separating your color moves from your retouching layers. This may seem complicated, but it's really not. After […]

Dodge & Burn Methods

by conraddigital December 15, 2015 in High-end Technique Studies, Pro-Torials, Skin & Beauty Study 0 comments

So the questions at hand is simple...What exactly IS dodging and burning? Well if we ask Wikipedia we get something along these lines... "...A technique used during the printing process to manipulate the exposure of a selected area(s) on a photographic print"

The Canine Curves

by conraddigital December 08, 2015 in Pro-Torials 0 comments

In this MUST SEE video tutorial I discuss a tremendous workflow technique I coined "The Canine Curves"(sometimes known as Solar Curves). This technique was developed back in my earlier years in a NYC retouching studio- Kudos to Richard Martha for helping me out with it's development. Essentially, this technique will turbo charge your color correction skills as well as get you out of a few clumsy mistakes. I use this tool in every image I work on as a professional. It's great for finding and fixing color casts, removing whispy hairs. I use this technique for cloning, repairing and rebuilding complex gradients as well. Use this technique only a few times and you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Art Direction & Revisions

by conraddigital December 07, 2015 in Pro-Torials, Workflow 0 comments

If you've been retouching or shooting professionally on any scale for any amount of time then chances are you've had a client who simply couldn't make up their mind. Let's sayMaybe you've worked on a job where the art director wanted final art delivery with a few different versions of the same image? Whatever the case, dealing with multiple versions of the same image can be daunting.