Q1: In an Age Where 'Real' Is Rare, How Does Atelier 99 Keep Photos Genuine and True to Their Essence?

A1: Picture this – we're like tightrope walkers, expertly balancing on the fine line between enhancement and authenticity. But here’s the twist: Atelier 99 is all about embracing the beauty of imperfection. Why 99 and not 100? Because we believe in the charm of the almost-perfect. Our name and the '%' in our logo are nods to this philosophy – perfection is a myth, but authenticity is real.

Q2: What Is Atelier 99's Technical Workflow for Photo Retouching?

A2: At Atelier 99, our workflow is designed to be efficient, precise, and client-focused. We start with a detailed consultation to understand the specific requirements and goals for each project. This step is crucial in establishing a clear direction and ensuring that the final result aligns perfectly with the client's vision.

Once the project commences, we utilize an advanced online image markup and approval system. This platform allows for real-time collaboration, enabling clients to provide direct feedback on the images. Clients can annotate specific areas, request adjustments, and communicate their needs effectively, ensuring high precision in the retouching process.

Q3: What Makes Good Retouching?

A3: The art of retouching has its roots in the darkroom, where the likes of Richard Avedon would meticulously instruct their printers with annotated notes scrawled across test prints, much like the one you've shown. This historical context sets the stage for what we consider exceptional retouching today.

Good retouching adheres to the time-honored principles laid down by these masters. It’s not simply about removing blemishes or altering features—it’s about enhancing the narrative that each photograph carries. When Avedon marked up a print, each notation was an instruction to burn or dodge, to hold back or bring forth light, shaping the final image with as much intention as the initial capture.

In the modern digital realm, Atelier 99 carries this forward. We apply the same level of meticulous care and deliberation as those darkroom artisans, but with the tools and advancements of the digital age. Retouching at our studio isn’t about applying a series of impersonal adjustments; it’s about interpreting the image with a fine touch and a deep understanding of the photographer's vision.

The iconic elements of retouching, such as the gradation of shadows and highlights, the delicate textures, and the careful attention to tonal range, are all aspects that require a disciplined eye. These are qualities that software alone cannot decide or execute.

Atelier 99's work is a homage to the essence of authenticity that classic photographers championed.