StretchLifeVisuals
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07/27 Retouch & Chill : From Blurry to Banger: Retouching, Real Talk & Raising Your Game
🕑 Added 2025-07-28 04:27:25 +0000 UTC🔧 Editing Workflow (Evoto, Photoshop, Topaz)
Evoto
Purpose: Fast batch portrait retouching
Use Case: Skin smoothing, dodge & burn, eye/teeth cleanup, presets
Pro Tip: “Evoto gets it 90% done, I finish the rest in Photoshop.”
Presets: Custom SLV presets (like “Woman Nighttime Flame”) — available via Patreon
Teeth Retouching: Can literally give clients veneers (don’t overdo it)
Photoshop
Purpose: Deep cleanup, masking, background work, sky replacement
Go-To Tools: Camera Raw Filter for subject brightening, generative fill, hue/saturation tweaks
Top Advice: “Use generative fill for quick cleanup — but Adobe might start charging with credits.”
Topaz Photo AI
Purpose: Sharpen blurry images
Use Case: “Client picked a blurry one? Topaz brings it back from the dead.”
Workflow Tip: Only subscribe during busy shooting seasons (e.g., spring/fall)
🧠 Photography + Editing Tips
Lighting & Setup
Night Shoots: Keep strobes low (1/256), boost ISO (~1000), balance with camera settings
3-Light Setup:
Main light overhead = strongest
Fill light = 2 stops lower
Rim/back light = subtle highlight only
Editing Rules
Don’t over-retouch men – keep it raw but refined
Use vibrance (not saturation) to boost color without ruining skin tones
Color correction = HSL tweaks + localized edits (especially when retouching clothing)
Batching
Command+C / Command+V your edits in Evoto to speed up same-look sets
For blurry shots, finish Evoto first, then sharpen in Topaz, finalize in Photoshop
🎒 Gear Talk
Cameras Used:
Started on Nikon D7100 → A7II → A7III (used it for 5 years)
“A7III is the go-to if you don’t know where to start.”
Tablets: Wacom tablet ($50–$80 at Best Buy) = editing lifesaver
Topaz Tip: “If your camera’s not high-end, Topaz makes it look like A7R5.”
🧩 Business & Mindset
Lead Generation
“If the ads ain’t working, get outside and get seen.”
Word of Mouth > Ads — especially if you’re not known yet
Always carry your camera, pass out cards, talk to people
Post content consistently (behind the scenes = value)
Pricing Advice
Don’t waste money on ads without building some organic presence first
“Clients gon’ take whatever I give them” — don’t obsess over perfection
📦 Product Updates
Certified Shooter Hats:
Foam ones were a manufacturer mix-up → now used as free bonus/giveaway
Shipping everywhere
Anamorphic Lens Giveaway:
Launching the day after the stream
Preset Store: Inside Patreon app (free for exclusive members)
🎥 BTS & Content Drops
Two unreleased BTS vlogs:
Chip & Josh shoot (almost done)
Trey shoot (dropping after)
Not on YouTube — exclusive content (possibly delayed public release)
💬 Random Highlights & Gems
Pirated software? “I ain’t pay for sh*t when I started.”
Adobe rants: Monthly fees, credit systems — “They tweaking.”
Cookies debate: Should he order more like last stream? (He did.)
📝 Quick Wins for Viewers
✅ Use presets as your base — then add personalized touches
✅ Invest in a Wacom tablet (small cost, major value)
✅ Use Evoto for portraits, Lightroom for events, Photoshop for finishing
✅ Check Facebook Marketplace for gear deals before buying retail
✅ Learn night shooting setups — it's all about controlling flash power + ISO
![[NSFW] sfmtraining from gumroad](https://onlyreon.com/kistorage/106068.jpg)
