Service Description

Our service: Solving problems

You could say we have three service offerings – processing, retouching and compositing.

Or you could say we have just one – doing what it takes to help others realize their creative vision.

Meaning: We’re problem solvers as much as service providers. So bring us a digital imaging need, and we’ll find a way to meet that need.

And like those famous sidekicks you know so well, from Ed McMahon to Tonto, we’ll serve as your trusted partner, helping you do the heavy lifting.

Here’s more on those three service offerings:

>> Digital image processing. More and more, professional photographers are seeking a Sidekick to help them make the transition from raw files to client presentation (and beyond).

In fact, half of our business is image processing. That involves:

• Batch Renaming, in order for you and your clients to better search and recognize files from you and each assignment.  Metadata insertion is also available upon request to further aid in organization and cataloging capabilities.  

• Raw file processing, where we optimize your images ensuring accuracy of color temperature, density, saturation, crop, some sensor spot removal, sharpening, localized adjustments, output size and file type(s). We go through every one of the chosen images individually, applying color theory and expertise to each.

• Quality-checking each image to assure that it meets your high standards of quality; and make sure your images don't need any other special touches. 

• Final Delivery any way you like it – on a DVD, external hard drive, with or without customized PhotoShop contact sheets – or even a combination of the three!

>> Photo retouching. We define retouching as the precise removal of offending pixels. The key word is pixels. We don’t do “blurring” or airbrushing. Rather, we apply pin pressure at a micro level, working in layers and taking care to preserve the image as much as altering it.

And that’s really what sets us apart – our commitment to authenticity. We steadfastly stay true to the photographer’s vision and subject, while working to make every image as good as it can be. (In the end, isn’t that what you want it to be?)

>> Compositing. Modifying an existing image - or creating a single seamless picture out of several images - is both art and science.  When it's done well, people marvel at the outcome, if they even notice at all (and when it's done poorly, it should never see daylight.)  Most of the time, our composite work involves removing or adding elements to an existing image:

• Did a board member miss the group photo shoot? We can add her in.
• Does your subject have the perfect expression in one shot and a perfect stance in another, we can put them together.
• In all cases, your client won’t be able to tell that we’ve been there. They’ll see your work, your vision, with the problems eliminated and the brand illuminated.

And in the spirit of a true sidekick, we’re often on-set with photographers who are shooting an image to be added to another image – helping to ensure the necessary parameters are covered so that the final composite is, well … seamless.

We offer other compositing services as well: Creating conceptual works by taking multiple images, original or stock, and artfully fusing them together to create your vision and communicate your message.

If you need such an image, we’ll develop several directions for you to review, then evolve the direction you prefer. Or if you have a clear vision for your composition, we’ll show you the possibilities within that vision.

>> Other services. Digital Sidekicks also provides:

• original art for your communications needs or business environment, including large-scale wall graphics, posters and brand communications
• small flatbed scanning services
• digital capture of existing artwork or products to support your marketing and business development activities
• small archive printing
• photography workflow and management consulting
• dishwasher repair ?

(OK, so we made that last one up.)

Contact us to learn more.