ABOUT MELISSA LYNN

Hi my name is Melissa Lynn (formally Melissa van Berkel) thank you for taking the time to find out a bit about me and how I got started.

 

I specialize in photographic retouching and post-production.  I have been working closely alongside Photographers, Creative Directors and Magazine Editors over the past 14 years.

 

Back in 2001 I took a photography course and I fell in love with the magic of the darkroom.  I wanted to take my images further and began experimenting with black and white printing processes and techniques to manipulate my photographs. It was there that I first learnt the art of dodging and burning techniques, sandwiching negatives, photograms, and hand spotting finished prints with dye and brush.  This inspired me to pursue a Media Arts Degree specializing in photography.  It was there that I gained further knowledge of light, visual art and photography theory, practical and technical photography efficiency, Photoshop software, file handling and printing.  This is where I fell in love with Photoshop and the magic of colour grading and compositing my images.

 

In 2008 I began working alongside an Award-winning portrait photographer as a production assistant where I learnt the post-production workflow such as file organizing, streamlining processes and importantly how to preserve the character and style of the photographer through to the final print.   I then went on to working as a photographic retouch artist alongside a couple of photographers in Auckland.  They taught me a great deal about the type of things to look for when retouching a portrait.  I got pretty good at swapping out heads and bodies in group images.  Sometimes achieving the Photographers requests required some creative problem-solving.  This is something I thrived on.  Whenever I came up against an obstacle, I did some research and learnt new tricks.  A couple of years later I began freelancing and working with Photographers and creatives from all over the world. 

 

I have learnt over the years that not all Photographers and creatives share the same vision and style.  This is something that I like to take the time to gather from my clients and it starts with a conversation.  I understand first-hand how many variables there are going on in a photoshoot and that sometimes the end client might change their mind.  Therefore, I am flexible with my clients and remain prepared for changes.  There are many different forms of media and outputs required, various budgets and deadlines to keep in mind. I like to establish this early on so I can adapt to fit your budget and schedule. 

 

So if you have some images that need some retouching, colour grading, comping or finishing then please get in touch.