Fotarbeid

Fotarbeid is the set of procedures used to prepare photographs for publication, display, or archiving. It covers selecting suitable images, cropping and framing, retouching, color correction, and adjustments of exposure and tonality to ensure the image communicates as intended and meets technical requirements for print or digital use. Fotarbeid can involve original photographs, scanned negatives, or digital files.

Typical tasks include digital retouching to remove dust, blemishes, or distractions; exposure and color corrections; sharpening and noise reduction; masking and compositing; and preparing images for printing with appropriate color spaces and halftone treatments. In publishing and media, fotarbeid also involves ensuring images are consistent with the editorial style and technical specifications, such as resolution, file format, and color management.

Workflow and tools often involve color-managed software and hardware. Common programs include Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One, along with scanners and calibration devices. Output considerations may include converting to CMYK for printing or to RGB for online use, creating web-optimized versions, and maintaining non-destructive edit histories. File formats frequently used are TIFF, JPEG, and PSD, with careful documentation of metadata and licensing information.

Roles and environments where fotarbeid is performed include photo editors, retouchers, graphic designers, and archivists in newspapers, publishing houses, advertising agencies, and archives. It is also practiced by individual photographers for post-processing and presentation. The work emphasizes quality, reproducibility, and adherence to legal rights and ethical standards.

Legal and archival considerations cover copyright and usage rights, model releases, attribution, metadata management, and preservation of original files. Proper fotarbeid supports accurate representation, consistency across publications, and long-term accessibility of visual materials.