I make beautiful, memorable images. I rescue bad pictures. I find ways to make photos both appealing and functional. I help photographers realize their vision and make their lives easier, so they have more time to get out there and shoot. I make my home at the intersection of art, technology, and practical necessity. I'm a photo retoucher and I love what I do. Find out more about me or just get in touch.
Click the image to the left for a slideshow.
I'm currently working as a full-time freelance photo retoucher, mostly for local professional photographers throughout Southern California, sometimes on site, sometimes remotely. My clients include family, portrait, wedding, and architectural photographers. I do all types of retouching as well as quick editing (color correction, etc.) in programs such as Lightroom and Adobe Camera RAW. I also do occasional design and photography work as requested by my clients, as well as some web stuff (i.e. blog posts and such).
I began my retouching career working in a production line environment for a school portrait company, but since 2009 I've been freelancing as an independent retoucher for a variety of local professional photographers. Before that, I studied digital arts at Orange Coast College and Golden West College.
This website is based off of Pixelcraft's Minimo theme, as modified by me. Slideshows use prettyPhoto, a jquery-based lightbox clone.
I write about photography and photo retouching on my blog More Than Real. In addition to photography and photo retouching techniques, I write about photo retouching culture, art, design, and other fun related ephemera.
Visit my blogI have other skills that make me a useful person to know. For example... I'm a total design nerd, an enthusiastic amateur photographer, and plenty web-savvy. My other skills and interests have enhanced my usefulness to my clients.
Click the image to the left for a slideshow.
Lots of stuff! Check back soon.
If you have a project you would like to talk to me about, please contact me using this contact form. Fields marked with * are required.
Or email me directly at heather@cogentcolor.com.
I'm currently available for freelance gigs, both short- and long-term.
I don't do spec work. Ever. Please, serious inquiries only.