Retouching is a technique that can be used to edit photographic imagery. Nowadays, mechanical retouching has declined in popularity due to the widespread practice of Digital image editing, which requires a personal computer and a copy of Adobe Photoshop or some other image editing software. Mechanical retouching requires specialized tools, but both methods require much practice and expertise.
Mechanical Retouching
Some of the specialized tools used in mechanical retouching include
- Photographic dyes such as Spotone
- Very fine blades such as X-acto knives
- Pencils - Graphite for negative retouching, color for print coloring
- Vibrating backlit surfaces
Digital Retouching
Besides a computer the following are some frequently used software and hardware for digital retouching
- Scanner
- Adobe Photoshop
- Paint Shop Pro
Common Usages
Some of the common retouching tasks include
- Fixing blemishes in portraits
- Color correction of an image with a colorcast
- Restoring damage done to prints and negatives
- Combining two or more images
- Manipulating a single image in non-obvious ways to achieve a desired "look" or "effect"
Historical examples
Before |
After |
Nikolai Yezhov and Stalin, before and after retouching. |
Joseph Stalin was reported to have retouched photos for propaganda purposes. On May 5, 1920 his predecessor Lenin held a speech for Soviet troops that Leon Trotsky attended. Stalin had Trotsky retouched out of a photograph showing Trotsky in attendance. Nikolai Yezhov, a young man seen strolling with Stalin in at least one photograph, was shot in 1940 and subsequently edited out of the photograph.
Saddam Hussein is also reported to have retouched family photos to remove the images of brothers-in-law.
See also
External links
- RetouchPRO website for retouching professionals
- Newseum Reinventing the Bolsheviks