Retouching Tip | How To Get High Resolution Images

One of the most important aspects in high-end retouching is actually starting off with a high quality image. These high resolutions images, aka hires (pronounced high-res), can be in a RAW format, or a high quality JPEG. A general rule is that your retouching is as good as your image quality. You can't work on a low resolution image and expect high-end results. It's just not possible.

• How can I get a hires image?

Aside from a high-end camera, good glass and a lighting setup, if you're a photographer, especially if you retouch your own images, you'll know you're going to save a lot of time in post if you actually fixed the problems during the shoot. And for the photographers who send their photos to a studio for retouching, you know you'll be saving a lot of money if you did that.
Bottom line: Fix stuff during the shoot, it'll save you a lot of time + money.

If you're a retoucher, you probably don't have control over the shoot. But you can always work something with the photographer.

• Where do I get hires images?

ModelMayhem
This is by far my favorite website for high resolution images. There's a section dedicated to Digital Art and Retouching, and under the Challenges, Contests and Samples section you will find a lot of hires images posted by experienced photographers. It's a win win situation; photographers posts their images for retouchers, and retouchers get to use them on their portfolio. Just make sure photographer's permission to use the images in your portfolio. There is a section for Casting calls as well, where photographers/models look for retouchers. If you're in touch with a model, make sure you have the photographer's written permission to edit the photo. Sample.

Flickr
Select copyrighted images and make sure you have the photographer's permission as well. Sample.

Deviant Art
dArt is just full of stock images. Make a quick search under stock images. You'll be amazed with the results. Make sure you follow the rules as well. Sample.

Stock Exchange
You can find a lot of stock images under the People category, they have a wide closeup collection, great for retouching eyes/lips/closeups. Just make sure you follow the original uploader's rules as well. Sample.

Photographers
don't hesitate to contact any photographer directly to work with. If you never ask, you'll never get.

• What do I need to know about hires images?

Hires files are all over the internet. All the links I provided are perfect for high-end retouching. But it doesn't matter, because the real question is: are you allowed to use them? Take copyrights very seriously, especially if you're in the united states. Just kidding!!

Portfolio Use
If you want to post your work on the internet. You have to have the photographer's permission. So stay away from Google images.

Practicing purposes only
Google is your best friend. You can probably get away with practicing on images off Google. But what's the point of wasting 4+ hours on an image that you can't show to anyone or use on your portfolio?



Also check: Retouching Tips: Getting into it