LaetitiaCato991
The role of the Picture Editor can be largely varied and contains a a few different daily tasks. It requires both technical skill and inventive ability. An image Editor will typically be responsible for any or all of the following tasks:
Commissioning Photography: An image Editor can set up photoshoots ranging from big budget studio shoots which include props, hair making up, stylists, photographers, lighting etc right through to very quick shoots requiring maybe only a photographer. Due to this, a contacts book full of geographically and stylistically diverse photographers, make-up artists, stylists, prop houses etc is invaluable.
Writing/Devising Creative Briefs: An essential skill for a Picture Editor and probably at the core of the role is being able to come up with fresh creative ideas for photography. Once an idea is reached, the image Editor must be able to communicate it effectively to ensure that everyone involved understands it. This is usually achieved by discussing an idea (often generating refinements) but also by writing a creative brief. This will include descriptions and illustrations from the idea
Direction: A Picture Editor will frequently direct shoots to ensure that the lighting/position of subjects etc will best realise the idea
Images Processing: This often forms most of the workload of the Picture Editor. Using industry standard applications for example Photoshop cs4 or Bridge, a Picture Editor will process images for use. This can be re-touching a picture (also referred to as "air-brushing") where blemishes along with other inconsistencies in an image is going to be removed and other areas may be enhanced or completely recreated. Captioning forms an important part of image processing and it is common practice to embed captions in the image file. This is accomplished using Photoshop/Bridge and selecting the "File Info" option from the "File" menu. An image Editor will add captions, copyright information and anything else highly relevant to the image.
