Synopsis
In the world of analogue photography, there is no software to remove small imperfections. Everything is done by hand. We observed Marie-Pierre Bride, a traditional retoucher, exercising her art. Because unlike spotting, which only corrects flaws, retouching is a genuine creative act. Be they black and white or colour, she has her secrets for enhancing each single edition print. She slowly brings out or conceals details revealing the image.
What you will learn in this film…
A traditional retoucher at work • Preliminary discussions with the photographer • Analogue retouching tools • Before and after retouching • The purpose of manual retouching • The retoucher's method
It's important to see the untouched photo then the retouched photo. It was already very beautiful but now it's enhanced.
The authors/artists
Marie-Pierre Bride
Retoucher
Frédéric Fontenoy
Photographer
Thomas Goupille
Film Director
Further exploration
The Darkroom Rumour
This content is for members only.
• TRAITÉ THÉORIQUE ET PRATIQUE DE LA RETOUCHE DES ÉPREUVES NÉGATIVES ET POSITIVES - author: Paul Ganichot ; 1895 for the first edition ; Charles Mendel ; French
Brush • Neutral gray retouch dye • Dyes • Spotone Black • Marshall's Neutral Black