Talent Jug - Casting Calls and Auditions

Last Headshot Tip of the Week: The DOs and DON’Ts of Retouching!

Everyone does it. Everyone. It’s a very rare headshot indeed that needs no retouching, and, even if you think you look perfect, there are certain things that the right retouch artist can do in post-production that will give your picture that little bit of extra oomph that might just book you the job of your dreams.

The point of retouching is to bring out the best version of you – not to make you look like a supermodel.

A retouch artist should be able to get rid of blemishes, tone-down any under-eye circles, brighten the whites of your eyes and your teeth, but still leave the photograph looking natural and un-touched.

Most professional photo-printers offer retouching services, and if they don’t, your photographer will certainly either know where to get retouching done, or will do it himself (there may be a fee attached to this service – as it does take some time to make a photo perfect). Even though there is usually a charge for retouching – do it! Don’t spend a few hundred dollars on getting great photos and then be stingy with the extra $20 or $30 bucks it’ll take to go the extra mile.

Remember, however, even though all photos get retouched, there is such a thing as getting too much done to your photo. Don’t ask your photographer or retouch artist to do things like change the color of your shirt, paint fake muscles on you, make you skinnier or fatter, or anything else that would change the overall picture. This is why you should be very prepared at your shoot – because retouching can only go so far.

After you’ve gotten your photo retouched, print away! Get at least 100 photos – you’ll need them. When you go on an audition, staple your resume to the back of your photo and cut off the extra edges (headshots are printed 8 inches by 10 inches, and most paper is 8 ½ inches by 11 inches).

Be proud of your photo! You put a lot of work into it – and hopefully it represents you perfectly. Follow these easy steps and you’ll be sure to have pictures you love for the rest of your life.

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