Why do you need a freelance retoucher?

Retouchers provide the final touches to an image to create the best they can be. 70%-80% of the quality depends on the photo; therefore ends at the photographer except for cases that require compositing. I regularly get cases that I tell my client not to spend extra money on me because the photo quality isn't good enough to receive satisfactory results. It will be a waste of resources.

Serious photographers and agencies may find it challenging to find one that consistently delivers to the standard they expect. As the world becomes more connected, the number of freelancers and post-production houses in all creative disciplines rises, and it becomes even more challenging to find the right talent. There are many factors to consider, from cost to quality to delivery times. 

Besides working with retouchers to existing freelancer platforms, the other option would be to work with such a talent directly. Both options have advantages & disadvantages. You may find high-quality talents under the category of "Expert Vetted" or "Top Rated Plus" on these platforms, but to reach these talents, you would need to pay extra and become an "Enterprise Client." Of course, these platforms have considerable advantages giving you the ability to search from a talent pool.

If you're more focused on the budget, then your job might be easier in one way as they will be able to present you with hundreds of options, but at the same time, you'd need to spend considerable time picking suitable candidates. Also, these platforms take care of all the payment processes. 

So why approach a Freelance Retoucher directly?

Experience and Expertise

The most obvious reason anyone would ever hire a freelancer is their professional service. More often than not, Freelance Retouchers who work directly with their clients are practicing or former Photographers themselves. Either way, their business is built upon understanding how photography works and what the photographer wants. A good retoucher can create anything in software; that's their expertise. Perhaps the most critical question is the motive of the client. Too much or too little? With or without?

If a Retoucher has their website, studio, or own business account and doesn't have a 9-5, then the chances are they've been doing this a while and have been doing it pretty well. The more experienced, the less back and forth you have with your retoucher on the details.

Quality and Consistency

While there's nothing wrong with using global freelance agencies to find your retoucher, It's important to remember that they serve a global audience with every kind of client and every degree of expected quality. That helps the general buyer well, as they can brief, receive, and pay quickly.

However, Photographers and creative agencies need someone that can apply time to attain the quality they need, instead of high volume and low turnaround.

Communication

Freelance retouchers are effectively self-employed business owners, and businesses that fail to communicate with their clients don't last long. You can expect a retoucher to ask you the right question's and listen closely to what you have to say. Of course, most exchanges are online, but the mobile number is listed on their site for a reason. They want to talk to you, and most retouchers will meet you in person (usually via video call these days) before starting a project, so you are both on the same page.

Guarantee

Professional Freelance Retouchers that offer a service need to do just that; give good service. This is their full-time job, their career. Because of that, a guarantee of quality and delivery comes as standard. If they do not deliver, they do not make a living. That alone makes choosing a Freelance Retoucher directly a safe option for any photographer or agency looking to complete a project on time and to their satisfaction.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me.