Retoucher

Hogarth; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A global content production company is seeking a Retoucher to manage the high-quality post-production of digital images. The ideal candidate will have advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in retouching. You will collaborate closely with photographers and art directors, ensuring that all images meet brand standards and creative visions. This role requires attention to detail, excellent time management skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Retoucher in e-commerce or advertising.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in retouching.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality post-production of digital images.
• Collaborate with photographers and art directors.
• Conduct thorough quality checks before final delivery.

Skills

Image Enhancement & Manipulation

Quality Assurance & Brand Consistency

Collaboration & Communication

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Photography, Graphic Design, Visual Arts or equivalent

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Lightroom

Job description

Hogarth is the Global Content Production Company. Part of WPP, Hogarth partners with one in every two of the world’s top 100 brands including Coca-Cola, Ford, Rolex, Nestlé, Mondelez and Dyson. With a breadth of experience across an extensive range of sectors, Hogarth offers the unrivaled ability to deliver relevant, engaging, and measurable content across all channels and media - both established and emerging. The number of channels at our fingertips; the need for speed; and the drive for mass personalisation, all mean that brands need different solutions. Our global team of over 7,500 craft and technology experts brings together creative, production and innovation to help clients navigate this exciting and ever-changing world of today’s content experience.

A Hybrid working model

We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

What does a Retoucher do at Hogarth?

The Retoucher will be responsible for the high‑quality post‑production of digital images, ensuring they meet brand standards, creative vision, and technical specifications. This role requires a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of color theory, composition, and advanced proficiency in image manipulation software. The Retoucher will work closely with photographers, art directors, and other creative team members to deliver visually compelling assets for various platforms including e‑commerce, marketing campaigns, social media, and print.

Requirements

• Image Enhancement & Manipulation:
• Perform advanced retouching techniques including skin retouching (non‑destructive), color correction, exposure adjustments, sharpening, noise reduction, and object removal/addition.
• Ensure consistency in color, tone, and overall aesthetic across all images within a series or campaign.
• Clean up product shots, remove dust/scratches, and ensure accurate representation of materials and textures.
• Perform compositing, masking, and complex selections as needed.
• Maintain and enhance image quality for various output formats (web, print, social).
• Quality Assurance & Brand Consistency:
• Adhere strictly to brand guidelines, style guides, and technical specifications for all retouched images.
• Conduct thorough quality checks to ensure accuracy, consistency, and artistic integrity before final delivery.
• Collaborate with Art Directors and Photographers to understand the creative vision and execute it effectively.
• Workflow & Efficiency:
• Manage and prioritize a high volume of images and projects within tight deadlines.
• Organize and maintain digital asset libraries, ensuring proper naming conventions and file management.
• Optimize workflows and processes to improve efficiency without compromising quality.
• Provide feedback to photographers on image capture quality to improve post‑production efficiency.
• Collaboration & Communication:
• Communicate effectively with team members regarding project status, challenges, and solutions.
• Actively participate in creative reviews and provide constructive input.
• Stay updated with industry trends, software advancements, and best practices in retouching.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Photography, Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field preferred, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience:
• Professional experience as a Retoucher, preferably in e‑commerce, fashion, beauty, advertising, product photography, etc.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in high‑end retouching across various subjects (e.g., models, products, lifestyle).
• Technical Skills:
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop (layers, masks, smart objects, actions, non‑destructive workflows).
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Lightroom or Capture One for color correction and raw image processing.
• Familiarity with other Adobe Creative Suite applications (Illustrator, InDesign) is a plus.
• Understanding of color management principles and ICC profiles.
• Knowledge of different file formats (JPEG, TIFF, PSD, PNG) and their optimal use.
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional attention to detail and a meticulous approach to work.
• Strong aesthetic sensibility and understanding of light, shadow, and composition.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to receive and incorporate feedback constructively.
• Problem‑solving mindset and adaptability to changing priorities.

Our Hogarth Values

Hands on

No egos here. Just a shared drive to roll up our sleeves and make great things happen. Every project—big or small—gets our full energy because we believe in doing things right. Every single time. It’s how we deliver real results without cutting corners.

Honesty

We are real and authentic – with each other and in our work. Honest, direct communication builds the trust we need to collaborate, grow, and make meaningful things together. It’s not always easy but it’s always worth it.

Heart & Soul

We bring heart to everything we make. Passion, pride and relentless drive push us beyond “good enough”—because we care deeply about our craft, and we’re always chasing better. We love what we do, and it shows.

Happy Family

Creating a space where everyone feels valued—even when opinions differ, makes this a supportive and inclusive environment for our people. We embrace our differences, celebrate our wins together, and never lose our sense of humor.

Hungry

Curiosity keeps us hungry. We question, experiment, and always seek out what’s next. We never settle, and we never stop learning.

Inclusion and Impact

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

Data

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