In the ever-evolving world of photography, there's a common misconception that to be a great photographer, one must be equally skilled in post-processing. Some photographers practically embraced a camera and editing software simultaneously, forging an unbreakable bond between shooting and retouching. I, on the other hand, had a different journey.
When I first picked up my DSLR, my world was consumed by the fascinating realm of photography. I was captivated by the idea of understanding every nuance my camera had to offer and striving to get everything right in the camera. At that time, the concept of editing was like an added layer of complexity that I wasn't quite ready to embrace. My primary focus was on capturing the moments I wanted to last forever.
Fast forward a couple of years, and it hit me – image editing isn't just an afterthought; it's a continuation of your artistic journey. It's a way to express your unique vision, whether for personal satisfaction or to meet your client's needs. I began my editing journey with the basics, using industry-standard tools like Lightroom and Photoshop. These powerful programs allowed me to accomplish some incredible transformations, yet I felt there was more to explore.
As a beauty and commercial portrait photographer, I found myself in awe of photographers like Kristi Sherk and Lindsay Adler. Their extraordinary skills in retouching seemed almost effortless. I was determined to master their craft, but I felt like I was losing sight of why I became a photographer in the first place. Hours turned into days spent in front of my computer, repeating the same retouching steps in the hope that something would click.
Then, a turning point arrived in the form of a webinar hosted by my dear friend Levi Sim, along with the renowned photographer Matthew Jordan Smith. The topic: Perfectly Clear. Little did I know, this moment would change the trajectory of my photography.
Perfectly Clear, in a nutshell, is a photo editing software that simplifies your editing process. It does the heavy lifting for you. How? It analyzes your image and, based on that analysis, makes the changes you desire according to the presets and functions you select from their toolkit. It's nothing short of amazing and has saved me an incredible amount of time, especially when editing portraits.
My go-to presets in Perfectly Clear are "Beautify" and "Rugged Skin." They work like a charm every time. But what truly blows my mind are the "Eye" and "Skin" sliders. They're incredibly quick and easy to apply, instantly enhancing the beauty of my portraits while keeping the skin looking real and authentic.
So, if you're hesitating, my advice is simple – give Perfectly Clear a try. You'll soon realize that editing isn't as daunting as it may seem. Your heart and mind will thank you for the newfound ease and efficiency it brings to your portrait editing process.
As a beauty and portrait photographer who values authenticity in skin rendering, Perfectly Clear has been a game-changer in my artistic journey. Don't wait any longer; unlock the true potential of your portraits with Perfectly Clear. Your skin, and your clients, will thank you.
UPDATE: Perfectly Clear is now Radiant Photo!
In the ever-evolving world of photography software, it's essential to stay updated with the latest advancements. Recently, the powerful photo editing software we've been discussing, Perfectly Clear, has transformed. It's been rebranded as "Radiant Photo," and it continues to offer the same exceptional capabilities that have simplified and enhanced the editing process for photographers like me. So, when you're exploring this game-changing software, keep in mind that you might come across it under its new name, Radiant Photo. Rest assured, it's the same efficient and effective tool that has saved me countless hours while maintaining the authenticity of my portrait subjects' skin. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Radiant Photo in your photography journey. Your artistry, and your clients, will be forever grateful.
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