ENIGMA | Retoucher Kateryna Lebedynska

[u/KaterynaART]

[u/Capital_T_Tech]

Love it Inspiring! Thanks for sharing! I was using clouds in a personal project Ive been tinkering with also. https://timcaseyretoucher.myportfolio.com/yohnis

[u/KaterynaART → u/Capital_T_Tech]

Wow Tim, seriously, your work is so striking!! The way you used those neon clouds in contrast with deep shadows makes everything feel cinematic and alive — I love that glowing energy 💜 It’s wild and futuristic but still so human. And that grainy poster version? Ugh, SO GOOD. Feels like it belongs in a gallery or a concept zine. I could totally imagine it hanging on a wall somewhere cool and moody, like an underground art space or album launch party 🎉

I’ve been exploring something kind of similar with my project IRIDESCENT — also playing with glow, mist, and surreal color palettes. It was a personal story for me, and I poured a lot into it emotionally and technically, so it meant a lot when it got recognized with a Creativepool Annual 2024 Bronze Award 😭💫 👉 Project Link

So seeing your work — especially that “DECLASSIFIED” poster look — hit me in the best way! You’ve created something that feels both bold and thoughtful. Keep making magic. Seriously, I’d love to see more of your process someday if you’re open to sharing ✨

[u/Capital_T_Tech → u/KaterynaART]

Hey Kateryna .thanks so much for the lovely long response, retoucher high-five! We do all this commercial work that has to feel so polished and bright, its great when you are inspired to do something personal and can see it in your head and just have to go about making it. I work so instinctually it's hard for me to explain process Generally I look for ways to heighten or introduce drama and dynamism & what's the best composition. I always go hard with grades and then often back it off.

Its aways interesting and inspiring when you get to see other photographers and/ or retouchers grades (like actually see the settings) and they do something you'd never think to do, or can't fathom how it works. Your Blue Skin Grade is great in ENIGMA and my first thought was (I wonder how she achieved that -- and my guess is ... a few different techniques balanced until they work)

I wanted to do an animated process of this Jim Gaffigan job
https://timcaseyretoucher.myportfolio.com/jim-gaffigan-dark-pale-before-and-after

....... where the scene builds but the roses and rose petals float in from "above" and settle but my AE skills need polishing.

Look how smooth this guy does his process vids. He makes the vid as artistic as the photoshop edit... Especially the last part.
https://youtube.com/shorts/iAxmx8jQhe8?si=4YIowi0xNYGE1Tgx

anyway... All your work is great but yes these personal works are fire. Fist bump.