Pratik Naik

Pratik Naik is a high-end retoucher based in the United States, specializing in commercial and editorial work. With over 15 years of experience, he retains a deep passion for mastering the art of retouching in Photoshop.

His background in fine art fuels his passion for retouching. Naik believes in a streamlined, seamless approach that respects the photographer's original vision while striving for flawless results. His ultimate goal is to preserve the natural essence of an image while elevating it to the photographer's exacting standards.

Alongside his retouching work, Naik finds great satisfaction in teaching. He enjoys simplifying complex techniques, making them accessible for aspiring retouchers. Witnessing the "aha!" moment when concepts become clear for a student brings him immense fulfillment.

Thu Mar 04•8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Hand-Crafted, Not Automated: How to Build a Modern Retouching Workflow

This class centers on true high-end, hand-crafted retouching for portraits and beauty, from start to finish. Attendees will see a full manual workflow…This class centers on true high-end, hand-crafted retouching for portraits and beauty, from start to finish. Attendees will see a full manual workflow that preserves texture, tone, and realism at the highest level, the kind often seen in Pratik Naik'…This class centers on true high-end, hand-crafted retouching for portraits and beauty, from start to finish. Attendees will see a full manual workflow that preserves texture, tone, and realism at the highest level, the kind often seen in Pratik Naik's editorial and commercial work, beginning with proper raw processing and ending with a refined, portfolio-ready image. Along the way, Pratik will show where selective AI can help with speed for those…This class centers on true high-end, hand-crafted retouching for portraits and beauty, from start to finish. Attendees will see a full manual workflow that preserves texture, tone, and realism at the highest level, the kind often seen in Pratik Naik's editorial and commercial work, beginning with proper raw processing and ending with a refined, portfolio-ready image. Along the way, Pratik will show where selective AI can help with speed for those who want it, while keeping creative control in the photographer's hands. The class will move through a clean workflow: foundational raw processing followed by precise skin cleanup with non-destructive tools and techniques that hold up to the most thorough print standards. Pratik will also demonstrate where tools like Evoto and targeted AI features in Photoshop can help expedite workflows, among other programs. The focus remains manual craftsmanship and judgment, with AI used sparingly and only when it serves quality. This session is designed for photographers and retouchers who value nuance and control, offering a practical, modern approach that meets top editorial and commercial expectations while incorporating modern tools. Attendees will leave with a repeatable manual workflow, a clear guide for when AI assists make sense, and the confidence to deliver work they can be proud of.Show More

Post Production

Pratik Naik

Tue Mar 02•11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

No Diagram Required: Learn Light Through Experimentation | Pratik Naik

In this interactive studio session, attendees will explore how much can be discovered by simply playing with light. Instead of rigid lighting diagrams

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In this interactive studio session, attendees will explore how much can be discovered by simply playing with light. Instead of rigid lighting diagrams, Pratik Naik will show how small shifts and visual feedback through play can dramatically transform a portrait. Together, the group will experiment hands-on, making adjustments in real time to reveal the cause and effect of every choice. By the end, attendees will leave not only with practical tech

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(This class requires pre-registration. Please purchase it with your WPPI pass or add it to your existing registration.)

Lighting

Pratik Naik