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The area of image processing and retouching covers a wide range of incredible services and processes. It’s easy to lose track of everything. What does it all include? What is what again? We provide you with the overview of our services. And of course with breathtaking images.

Clippings – HIGH QUALITY & PIXEL PERFECT

Clippings refer to objects and motifs that have been separated from the background using a single vector path (so-called simple path). The original background can be hidden or removed and the clipped object or motif can be placed separately on a new background, for example. An active path (clipping path) additionally contains information about which image areas are to be clipped and which are to be hidden.

Motifs with clear, simple contours are ideal for clipping via vector paths. There are various tools available in digital image editing for the creation. For example marquee tool, magic wand, lasso tool, quick selection or pen tool. For optimal results, we combine different tools depending on the motif.

Clippings are the basis of many image editing processes and are used in many areas of application. E-commerce, composing, advertising, layouts … there is (almost) no way around high-quality clippings.

Alpha Maskings – Down to the smallest detail

Not every motif is suitable for clipping using a vector path, because the hard path contours quickly cause details to be lost in fine image elements. Alpha masking (soft masking) is ideal for precisely cropping even the finest image elements (e.g. hair, transparent elements). The image motif is cropped by editing the individual colour channels and using the contrast to the background.

The effort required to create alpha maskings depends on various factors: complexity of the image motif, desired level of detail, subsequent use and more. For a better overview and more transparency, we therefore divide alpha maskings into levels 1 to 4; depending on the motif, effort and the desired result.

– Level 1: For simple objects with clear outlines without fine details.

– Level 2: For simple objects with few fine details on a high-contrast background. Usually sufficient for online use.

– Level 3 and 4: For complex objects with many fine details. Differentiation depending on manual effort.

Complex motifs with fine image elements that would be lost if they were cut out via a path are cut out with alpha masks. These include, for example, hair, fur, textile structures, filigree leaves. Or motifs with semi-transparent or even transparent areas such as smoke, bottles or fashion items such as wedding dresses.

Maskings – Flexible in all areas

Maskings (also multi-path clipping, masking paths) an incredibly flexible clipping method. They separate individual image elements from the background and from each other using separate paths. The image is “split-up” into several individual parts with the help of several individual clipping paths. Each area of the object is pathed/masked separately, so that the image file contains multiple masking paths in the end.

Which technique is best suited depends on the desired result and whether and what kind of further processing takes place. For optimal results, different clipping methods are combined with each other. For example, areas with clear contours are cut out with the path tool. While for blurred or very detailed areas, alpha masking is used.

The individual elements can then be displayed, edited or replaced individually. Masking thus offers maximum flexibility in design and editing. They are particularly interesting for the representation of different product variants. As so-called colour masks, they are particularly interesting for the presentation of different product variants and they are also often used as a preparation for colour corrections/adjustments.

Colour Correction – For all the variety

During colour correction, the effect of the colours and the tonality of images as a whole or of individual colours is subsequently adjusted and changed. Among other things, colour tones, contrasts and brightness are optimised and corrected, and distracting colour casts are removed. In beauty retouch, for example, skin tones are enhanced.

Recolouring & Colour Masks

With recolouring and colour masks, selected areas of the image can be adjusted separately and, for example, be recoloured. Different colours, designs, structures and textures can be displayed with just one original image. Especially with product images, this is a very efficient way to create many images that show different product variants. Instead of photographing and clipping each product variant individually, the details to be changed are separated from one another in just one initial image using individual masking paths and then adjusted separately. They can then be edited separately.

Adjust skin tones

Often, the skin has different shades. By selective colour correction and changes in saturation and brightness, individual colours are adjusted in previously selected areas. To correct colour differences and adjust skin tones. This is especially common in beauty retouching.

Image Retouch – Images with maximum effect

Professional image retouching includes the optimisation of images, the repair and the removal of irregularities, distortions and unwanted objects in the image. This often very complex process requires the right techniques, the highest precision and an eye for the smallest details. So that in the end result the retouching is not recognisable.

Product Retouch

Product retouching is about the optimal presentation of various products for print and online. For example, textiles, clothing, footwear, furniture, jewellery, cosmetics, toys, electronics and high-quality products such as cars, machinery and tools. For e-commerce, magazines, catalogues, advertising materials such as flyers, handouts, advertisements and more.

Product retouching includes, among other things:

– Adjustment and optimisation of light, colour, contrast

– Remove irregularities, e.g. dust, scratches, stains

– Optimise, remove or add reflections, shine and shadows

– Optimise or replace surface textures, e.g. plastic, metal, textile, glass

– Replace colours, recolouring of product details

– Remove background (clipping)

– Ghost model (invisible model)

Fashion Retouch – High-end for fashion, accessories & models

High-end photo retouching is an important part of the fashion industry, whether for advertising, magazines and catalogues, e-commerce or high-end photography, portrait and editorial. It is not only about the perfect retouching of different fashion items, but also about the presenting models as well as the lifestyle environment. Fashion retouch covers a wide range of services.

One of the main tasks is the adjustment and correction of image details using image retouching. This includes, among other things, the removal of wrinkles, dust, dirt and product defects. A perfect fit of clothes and accessories, whether “on the rack” or on the model, also belongs to the field of fashion retouching.

Model retouching and beauty retouching is another central task in the fashion sector, but also for other areas such as cosmetics or wellness. The aim is to retouch human faces and bodies according to a certain ideal of beauty and to emphasise attractive details; often under the aspect of so-called “natural image retouching”. Beauty Retouching includes, among other things: Improving colour tones, optimising skin, editing eyes and teeth, removing flying hair, correcting make-up or even changing or balancing proportions and asymmetries.

Composing – Images according to wish

Composing (photomontage) combines individual image components (e.g. from photos or CGI creations) into a new image by removing, adding, moving and exchanging them. The adaptation of individual elements sometimes also falls within the area of composing, for example when exchanging designs in the product area.

Clippings and alpha maskings are essential in the process of composing. For seamless transitions between the individual elements, fine-tuning of exposure, contrasts and colours is necessary. Professional image retouching, image editing and colour correction as well as knowledge about anatomy, optical rules and design theory are therefore the basis for perfect composings.

All of our services for you – for breathtaking images.