VOLUNTEER WITH US
Digital Retouch ArtistS
With every retouch, you’ll transform moments into cherished memories for bereaved families.
At NILMDTS, we dedicate ourselves to providing families experiencing the profound loss of a baby with professional-level remembrance portraits. As a NILMDTS Digital Retouch Artist, you become a crucial part of our heartfelt mission. If you have a passion for retouching, possess the necessary skills, and are looking to make a meaningful impact from the comfort of your home, we invite you to apply today. Selected applicants will be asked to retouch a series of four (4) images that may include challenges such as bruising and skin discoloration. Your completed work will be reviewed by the NILMDTS Volunteer Application Committee, and your expertise could offer immense comfort to grieving families.
digital retouching exampleS
Skills Criteria & Evaluation Process
Requirements:
- Proficiency in Photoshop is required due to the advanced level of retouching needed for our services. Other retouching software may be utilized alongside Photoshop.
Application Process:
- Upon applying, you will receive four (4) sample images via email for retouching.
- Your retouched images will be assessed by the NILMDTS DRA Application Committee, comprising experienced Digital Retouch Artists.
- Applications are scored on a 0-20 scale across four categories, with 0 being the lowest and 20 the highest. A minimum score of 40 out of 80 is required for approval.
Evaluation Criteria: Your application will be reviewed based on your ability to:
- Repair Skin Flaws: Address torn skin, blistering, and other imperfections.
- Even Out Skin Tone: Correct bruising and discoloration, ensuring uniform skin tones, and addressing issues like dark lips and nails.
- Conversion Skills: Skillfully convert images to Black & White or Sepia, ensuring they are visually appealing with a good contrast range and appropriate mid-tones.
- Use of Filters and Adjustments: Demonstrate proficiency with multiple layers, blends, masks, and color modes for targeted adjustments.
Basic Retouching Guidelines:
- Do not alter features that are medically related (e.g., anomalies or birthmarks).
- Retouch any changes resulting from death, including peeling skin, blistering, bruising, discoloration, redness, or shine.
- Consider whether a characteristic would still be present if the baby had been born healthy and would remain a month later; if so, it should be left as is.
Please note that certain types of image submissions will not be accepted and will result in a request for additional photos. The application review process may take two to four weeks depending on the current volume. The DRA Onboarding Program (DOP) is mandatory for every new DRA, regardless of their experience or skill level. The DOP aims to streamline and enhance the onboarding experience, guaranteeing that you receive the necessary guidance and instruction needed to equip you with essential skills and resources, enabling you to advance towards operating at your optimal skill level. We are so appreciative of your passion and patience!
THE IMPACT OF RETOUCHING
“I was so scared to share pictures of my baby because he was so tiny with bruises and tearing but when I received my NILMDTS pictures I fell in love again and could freely and proudly show off my sweet baby boy.”
NILMDTS Family
Affiliated Photographer
“From the first session I retouched, I felt that spark of joy that had been missing from my art for some time. As I continued to edit sessions, I found so much happiness in creating beautiful images for these families… Thank you for allowing me to grow as a photographer, but, more importantly, as a human.”
Whitney K. | Digital Retouch Artist
NILMDTS Volunteer since 2018
“At this stage in my career, being mostly retired, I have the time to give service to others, and I feel richly compensated when I am able to do something for them at a time when they really need to know that someone cares about them.”
John Lloyd
NILMDTS Volunteer since January 2019