Copyright Karl Shreeves 2012

Unless you're someone who shoots and retouches, you probably don't recognize the work that goes into images you see in Vogue, W, Elle and so on. I don't get to shoot as much fashion as I would like, but I apply fashion style shooting and retouching to portrait and lifestyle imaging, as appropriate. Fashion imaging is the cutting-edge of still photography and sets the bar for the photo profession. Twenty years ago, retouching wasn't expected except at the high end because it was expensive and difficult. Today it is the standard of practice for most forms of professional photography.

This is from a studio shoot a couple months ago in which we featured Stella & Dot jewelry (this was not commissioned by Stella & Dot, but the model is a Stella & Dot stylist).

If you're into fashion, by the way, check out www.socialbliss.com. It's a Pinterest style site devoted to fashion collection by member contributors. Dr. Kristen San Jose Shiele is a consultant on the social bliss project -- and also happens to be the model in this image. Jump to stelladot.com for some high end costume jewelry that's making its rounds in high fashion and the Hollywood set.