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Finding a job as a photo retoucher?

I am trying to find a job in photo retouching. I do a lot of different things with photoshop from colorization to airbrushing, object replacement/ placement, restoration, etc. The problem I have come across is that many of the photo studios in my location seem to either outsource their work to companies on the internet. I was just wondering if anyone else is having this problem? It also seems like for every one job posted on the net there is 3,000 people offering to do the restoration or retouch work. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I should look? I tried numerous web searches for local jobs in this field and all the results come up with either a company in New York or a company in Los Angeles. Another problem I am faced with is lack of information on the subject of employment. I have emailed a lot of graphic artists with questions... they never email me in return! Are these secrets that only certified graphic artists keep amongst themselves? Hope someone can help out!

Public Comments

1. When I worked in advertising our retoucher was a free lancer. We'd get our shots, mark them up, then pass them on to him. But I just had my own publicity shots taken, expecting them to need retouching, and my photographer did them. I forgot that high-end portraits do get some retouching by photographers. So there are two markets. Try showing work at ad agencies, and then to photographers themselves. I've done a little retouch work for a local wedding photographer, he doesn't like doing it. Get samples of your work into local frame shops. Then they will be able to direct clients to you for photo restoration. I know it's not a full time job at a company, but who knows what you could develop on your own. As a guy who does a lot of free lance in another field, I can tell you it can be very rewarding if you're good and market yourself right. Hope this helps.