@marthadimeoSummary: Retouching matters. Subpar color undermines the messaging and visual communication effectiveness of an image. In this article, the precision of a scientist at work meets the precision of carefully executed photo retouching. See how clarity of color, contrast, and tonal variation elevates the quality and communication value of this photograph from the 2023 Dean’s Annual Report, Brown University, Division of Biology and Medicine.
The Art of Photo Retouching: Perfecting a Photo of a Research Scientist
In Brown University’s Dean’s Report, from the Division of Biology and Medicine, there is an article titled, Expansion Plans, highlighting Brown’s new integrated life sciences building. The subheading reads, “The largest construction project in Brown’s history will house life sciences research.”
Arguably, the photograph accompanying an article about the largest construction project in a university’s history should be nothing short of stellar.
Retouching Instructions
To that end, the retouching instruction for this photograph—along with the other 39 in the 2023 Dean’s Report—was concise. The art director simply said, “Work your color magic.” Here’s the result.
Show-And-Tell
The Before
The After
Color & Light
Color always plays a critical role in the success and communication value of any photograph. The starting point was to remove the yellow color-cast and to minimize the distracting elements—the orange bottle tops, colored paper on the wall, and the out-of-place lock of hair. With the color correction completed and the distracting elements removed, the next step in the retouching process is to bring clarity and focus to the main subject of the photograph—the scientist.
For this photo, correcting the color balance is certainly a key component to creating a visually pleasing image, but editing the lighting is where the magic happens. By shaping the light—creating contrast and tonal variation—the viewer’s eye is directed to the scientist. Everything else in the photo becomes subordinate.
A Scientist at Work
We can now clearly see the scientist’s face and his gaze behind his goggles. The test tube and syringe—important elements in the image—no longer blend into the background. The focus is now on the scientist and his work.
The composition, color, and lighting work together, drawing us into the photograph, and inviting us to linger for a moment.
The Compare View
It’s always fun—and sometimes impressive!—to view the retouched and unretouched with a slider.
Project Details
Publication: 2023 Dean’s Report; Brown University, Division of Biology and Medicine
Client: Orange Square / Brown University
Art Director: Neela Samia
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