{"id":14417,"date":"2011-03-06T15:38:38","date_gmt":"2011-03-06T14:38:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebkmag.com\/?p=14417"},"modified":"2011-03-06T15:38:38","modified_gmt":"2011-03-06T14:38:38","slug":"importance-graphic-tablet-digital-retouching","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thebkmag.com\/rebuild\/technical-tips\/importance-graphic-tablet-digital-retouching\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of a Graphic Tablet in the Digital Retouching World"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Wacom-Cintiq-21UX<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n

Post written by Guest Contributor, Pratik Naik from\u00a0www.solsticeretouch.com<\/a>
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What role does a graphic tablet play in enhancing the post production process? This is a question I often get by photographers, followed by the questions, should they get one, how directly would it benefit them, and which one to get?<\/span>
\nEven though many photographers outsource the retouching, there comes a time where they do the work themselves and would like to take full opportunity in making the process as efficient as possible. In other words, the question comes from an interest in cutting down time coupled with obtaining more precision through the process.<\/p>\n

Mouse vs. Graphic Tablet<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 
\nChances are, you may currently be accustomed to using a mouse. However, you find that the mouse isn\u2019t as precise as you would like it to be while retouching. The effect is shown while retouching using a mask to make clean lines or transitions when dodging and burning. Retouching is like painting, each stroke adds to the final retouched piece and if each of those strokes aren\u2019t as smooth as they could be, you\u2019ll find the final image reflects on these very imprecise movements, giving the illusion of retouching away. Retouching is just that, an illusion meant to be left untraceable through your steps.
\nFor that reason alone, I find the graphic tablet worthwhile. Each of your strokes become more fluid, and you\u2019ll find that in the end, the advantage is clearly shown with a final image that leaves no footprints behind.
\nHowever, not everyone who uses a graphic tablet finds themselves sticking with it, but giving it a try is absolutely necessary. It does take time to adjust but the experience is very much like learning how to ride a bike: Your hand has to adapt itself to the input device in order to take full benefit from using the tablet for retouching. Most people take from a couple of days to a week to get adjusted.
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Options<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 
\nLet\u2019s take a look at a few options to consider before diving in.
\nWacom, by brand, is generally the industry standard when it comes to graphic tablets. Within the Wacom brand, there are three lines to consider when making a decision,<\/p>\n