Digital retouching is more than just smoothing out wrinkles in a shirt or softening laugh lines on a face. It's more than simple color correction
or making a collage. It's about creating effective visual communication.
Every image is unique. Our approach is to enhance what is already there and let an image take on a life of its own. Rather than trying to force an image into something it does not want to be, we want to discover its maximum potential. The Smalldog theory is that you have to stand apart from the other breeds to be awarded Best in Show.
A typical workflow:
1. Pre-planning. A preliminary meeting is essential to determine what needs to be accomplished and what steps are needed to achieve the desired result. Even before the photo shoot takes place, we can determine the best way to approach the job.
2. Editing and scanning. There might be several frames that work, but which one is best? We can start with fpo digital captures or scan lo-res for a quick comp. That way when we've got it, we'll know. Then we'll process hi-res images from the RAW digital captures or scan hi-res. What's your end use? Magazine ad? Billboard? Final image size will determine how large we process or scan and how large the final file will be delivered.
3. Retouching. This is where we build the image. Are we putting a new head on that supermodel? Replacing a sky? Not quite sure about final scaling and position? Here's where we work out all the kinks. You'll be updated with
on-line proofs every step of the way.
4. The Look. Once you are completely happy with how everything is coming together, we start on color, contrast, and any digital trickery we've got up our sleeves to make that image come alive. You'll get some on-line proofs here, too. However, you might want us to output a preliminary proof delivered via Fedex so you're seeing what we're seeing.
5. Fine Tuning. Ever heard of the 20/80 rule, when the last 20% of the work takes 80% of the time? It's true. And here's when we perfect the image. Don't forget you have one last on-line proof to approve before we stick a fork in it and call it done.
6. Final Proof & Delivery. Amazing but true. We all did our part. And now it's your turn to run with it. We'll output a final CMYK digital press proof and burn a CD or DVD. We'll drop Fedex so you get it on time. Or if you're in a rush, we can upload it to our ftp server while your proof is in transit.
Reward yourself for a job well done, and have a milkbone.
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