Hello! I've come on board here to improve my skills as a beginning retoucher and fledgling graphic artist. Photography was my first love, but I've found that I have fewer and fewer opportunities to do the things I want behind a lens. My work frequently takes me to isolated areas where there are no studios or models available, so I've focused on image restoration and retouching.

As a beginner,my approach to retouching has been basic - get the exposure right, nail down the colors, then try to fix the oopsies and correct as many other flaws as my skills will allow. As I learn and progress, I'm sure I'll add new tools and techniques to my arsenal, and I'll improve. I don't think I'll be working for Vogue anytime soon, but I've already passed the "Gaussian Blur" stage. Right now my major concern is working with different photographers' styles and vision, and having high quality images. I will usually take my own approach to an image, but then ask for input from the photographer as to which direction they would like me to go.

So, that's why I'm here. I'd like to participate and contribute, especially with the sample retouching and critiques page. The first five images in my port are from Stock photo magazines and CD's. I can't contact members until I'm a member, and I won't work on or post images without permission. I play by the rules. Looking forward to working with/collaborating all of once I'm approved!

Mike Arnold,
Spring Lake, NC

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