07/27 Retouch & Chill : From Blurry to Banger: Retouching, Real Talk & Raising Your Game

🔧 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