Finding clients can be difficult as a retoucher, even if you have the creativity and expertise to make photographs seem fantastic (trust me, I know!). To generate a consistent flow of work and forge a successful career as a retoucher, it is critical to understand where to locate clients. In this article, we’ll go over some of the avenues for finding clients if you’re a retoucher as well as how to use them to expand your business.

Networking 

 To find clients as a retoucher, networking is essential. Attend photography exhibits, trade shows, and networking events if possible! A connection should be made by introducing yourself to potential customers. To increase your reach, you may also join photography and editing groups on social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Don’t disregard this, LinkedIn is particularly helpful for connecting with professionals in the sector. It’s crucial to concentrate on developing connections rather than pitching your services when networking. Establish relationships and build trust, and the projects will come. Individuals choose to work with familiar and affable individuals.

Freelance Websites

You may find clients as a retoucher on freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. These websites enable clients to post project specifications and request quotations from independent contractors. You can submit bids for these projects and highlight your qualifications to get hired. It’s crucial to have a solid portfolio and profile that highlights your work and experience if you want to succeed on these sites. Make sure to swiftly address client questions and uphold transparent communication throughout the process. You can establish a solid reputation and obtain repeat business by doing high-quality work on schedule and within your allocated budget.

Referrals

Referrals are one of the best ways to find new clients as a retoucher. Make sure to provide exceptional service to your current clients, and they will be more likely to refer you to their network. Encourage your satisfied clients to leave reviews on your website or social media pages to help build your credibility.

You can also reach out to photographers and industry professionals in your network and ask them to refer you to their clients. Make sure to reciprocate the favour and refer clients to them, if you can. By building strong relationships and providing excellent service, you can establish a reliable referral network that can help you grow your business.

Direct Marketing

Direct marketing can be an effective way to find new clients as a retoucher. Create a list of potential clients, including photographers, and agencies, and reach out to them with a personalised message. Introduce yourself, showcase your work, and explain how your services can benefit their business.

You can also send out email newsletters or postcards to potential clients to keep them updated on your services and recent work. Make sure to follow up with any interested clients and schedule a meeting or call to discuss their needs further.

Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can be a great way to showcase your work and find new clients as a retoucher. Share your work regularly, engage with your followers, and use relevant hashtags to expand your reach.

You can also connect with photographers, on social media and build relationships with them. Comment on their posts, share their work, and engage with their content. By establishing a rapport, you can increase your chances of being hired for retouching work.

Online Portfolios

Having a strong online portfolio is essential for finding clients as a retoucher. Create a website or use platforms like Behance, Adobe Portfolio, or Squarespace to showcase your work and provide information about your services.

Make sure to curate your portfolio and only showcase your best work. Include a variety of images that showcase your retouching skills and demonstrate your versatility. You can also include client testimonials to build credibility and demonstrate your expertise.

As a retoucher myself I have BEEN through it looking for good ways to source clients! I hope you find this list helpful to take you from available and broke to busy and booked! 

In the exciting world of commercial photography, natural retouching techniques are the latest trend that has everyone buzzing! While retouching has always been an essential part of the photography process, clients are now seeking a more natural look and feel in their images. And who wouldn’t want that?

Natural retouching involves making subtle changes to the photograph, with the aim of enhancing the beauty of the subject while maintaining their original features. It’s all about keeping it real and authentic! This technique is particularly popular in the beauty and fashion industry, where it’s all about showcasing the models’ natural beauty without overly editing their images.

One of the best things about natural retouching is that it creates a sense of trust between the client and the audience. With people becoming more aware of the use of heavily edited images, it’s no surprise that consumers prefer brands that showcase real people with minimal retouching. By embracing natural retouching techniques, brands can create an honest connection with their audience, which can lead to greater success.

When working with commercial clients, it’s essential to communicate with them effectively and understand their expectations for the final product. It’s all about collaborating to achieve the best possible result that aligns with their brand identity and values.

Natural retouching techniques include subtle changes such as correcting skin tone, removing stray hairs, and reducing blemishes. The aim is to enhance the natural features of the subject without over-smoothing the skin or creating an unrealistic appearance. Natural retouching also involves enhancing the brightness and contrast of the image to bring out the best in the subject.

Overall, natural retouching is the perfect way to add that extra sparkle to your images while keeping it real and authentic. As a retoucher, it’s essential to stay on top of the latest trends and embrace natural retouching techniques as part of your delivery arsenal to deliver the best results for your clients!

Photo: Angela Marklew

Alright, RETOUCHERS, listen up! If you want to give your retouching skills a serious boost, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here are three tips to help you unleash your inner retouching superstar:

Don’t Compare, Get Inspired

We all know the feeling of looking at someone else’s work and thinking, “Damn, why can’t I be that good?” But instead of letting the comparison game get you down, use it as an opportunity to get inspired. Try to study in detail the techniques and styles that you admire and recognise in other retouchers’ work. Use what you learn to inform your own practice and try out new ideas. The next thing you know, you’ll be the one inspiring other retouchers!

Embrace Learning (and Mistakes!)

News flash: nobody’s perfect. And guess what? That’s totally okay. If you’re not happy with your retouching skills, don’t give up hope - it just means there’s more room to grow. Invest in resources that can help you learn new techniques, from online tutorials to books to courses. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Experimentation is the key to unlocking your true retouching potential. Who knows - your next “mistake” could be the start of a groundbreaking new technique!

Believe in Yourself (and Your Inner Superhero)

Okay, I know this one sounds cheesy, but hear me out. There’s a little bit of superhero in all of us, and it’s time to tap into it! Instead of focusing on your perceived weaknesses, focus on your strengths and what makes you unique. Believe in yourself and your potential to achieve greatness. Set challenging goals for yourself and work hard to achieve them. When things don’t go according to plan (because let’s be real, that’s just life), use it as an opportunity to grow and learn. Your inner superhero will thank you for it!

So there you have it, folks - three tips to take your retouching skills from good to superhero-level. Remember: get inspired, embrace mistakes, and believe in yourself. With a little bit of hard work and a whole lot of heart, you’ll be on your way to retouching stardom in no time!