Retouching Your Photographs

Although this guide to photographic art correction repeatedly mentions the creative potential of the skill, it is mostly devoted to mundane, yet necessary and proficient, photo retouching techniques. Addressed to artists and photographers seeking economic opportunity and greater artistic control over their work, the book provides photo-illustrated, step-by-step instructions for such painstaking wizardry as removing orthodontic braces, blemishes, stray hairs, glare, telephone poles and wrinkles (clothing as well as facial), and adding clouds, jewelry and color. Miller, a photographic retouching artist, handles a large volume of detailed material very well. The text is specific, well organized, practical and jargon free. Section one includes a review of color, composition and equipment; section two, the bulk of the book, contains retouching techniques; and section three provides an introduction to more advanced skills, such as airbrushing, coloring and restoration. The disadvantages and advantages of each technique are discussed, as well as art materials and objectives. Miller states her preferences, yet isn't didactic. (December)