Sharon Daniels

Behind the Scenes On Retouching for a Photo Shoot

Do you think what you see is what you get when you see a photo in a catalog, magazine or ad? Not always. Expert retoucher Sharon Daniels shares some profrssional retouching tips on what happens behind the scenes on a commercial campaign that uses mostly "real people" instead of fashion models. -- S.H. My partner and I recently retouched the images below for the Lindsay Phillips fall campaign for SwitchFlops. Before we began retouching the images Lindsay's creative director expressed that conceptually they were interested in keeping the images realistic and appearing spontaneous. The models in the shots included Lindsay Phillips herself, some of her friends, and one professional model. My retouching work for most clients typically involves perfecting faces

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Celebrity Retouched Photos- The Photoshopping Controversy

Too Much Fun With Photoshop: Celebrity retouching and model morphing is a hot topic right now, let's explore the good and bad of it A former model and now a professional retoucher, Sharon Daniels has been on both sides of the business when it comes to airbrushing or retouching a photo. She opens up about when Photoshop retouching or airbrushing is excess and when it honestly makes for a better editorial or commercial photograph. -- S.H. Photoshopped Into Oblivion: the scandal, the controversy, the ethics... Lately there has been much debate and discussion about retouching's perceived effects on society. Is retouching the equivalent of steroid use in baseball? Should magazine advertisements display retouching disclaimers? Magazines and advertisers create the ideal

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How Much to Retouch Without Going to the Extreme

Is what you see what really is? Probably not. Smash, crumble, pop... sorry to break the illusion of perceived perfection but you gotta know, what you gotta know. Photos in magazines and ads get retouched-- we know that. Every time a celebrity photo gets overdone, the blogosphere goes mad with Photoshop rage. And rightly so. But a little helpful "cleaning up" only enhances the image. Master retoucher and former Ford model Sharon Daniels unveils what really is behind the photo that you see and why. --S.H.

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How to Photograph a Great Social Media Networking Avatar

DIY tips on how to take a rocking social avatar photo without hiring a professional photographer After the last article I wrote which discussed social media networking avatars many of you felt inspired and the need to take quick action! One reader said her avatar was basically laughable but she could not afford to hire a photographer. So, how do you get a great social media networking avatar without hiring a professional photographer? According to New York City portrait and wedding photographer Regina Fleming, most people use their cell phone or webcam to photograph their social media networking avatar.   Regina's helpful tips for taking great photos with your cell phone or webcam: 1. Find good lighting. (Outdoors is usually

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Avatar Your Image Stamp of the Social Media Kind

Is it time to give your social avatar an Avatar Makeover? Let your social self shine.. We make such fast judgments and while that may not always be in our favor, the truth is that it happens. So why not make the best of your personal brand with your social avatar? I've asked Sharon Daniels, our newest FocusOnStyle Contributor, to share some tips about why it is important to create a more befitting social brand YOU. -- S.H. A great avatar and creative social media marketing is key in today's ever evolving social networking world. It's one of the best ways to attract new clients and create earning opportunities. Scientific research shows people connect to attractive images and faces. With

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