Mastering Retouching™ is available in both instant-download and DVD formats (computer-playable only.)

The content of the Mastering Retouching™ series in both formats is identical. The DVD version, however, comes in a super-gorgeous box set that will make you smile every time you see it and will make you the envy of all of your friends. Seriously.

During the checkout phase, you will have options to purchase the download, the DVD Box Set, or both in a bundle.

Yes. When building Mastering Retouching™, we received lots of requests for start-to-finish retouches, so we have included several shots where you will follow Nick retouch photos from beginning to end, featuring models of many complexions and with an array of "problem areas". Some of these images are included in the series volumes, while others are available in our customer forum, free with your purchase.

The series is divided into seven levels, each of which contains several lessons relevant to the topic. While the individual lessons range from 5-45 minutes, each complete level is approximately one hour.

The complete series of seven volumes is approximately 7 hours. Though we do go slow enough for even a beginner, we made a point not to lose the attention of our more experienced students. We're assuming you've at least opened up Photoshop before and have used a few basic tools, and we've based the speed of the lessons on that.

The total size of the complete 7 volume series is approximately 7 GB. To ease the download process, we've broken the series up into 7 self-contained download links, approximately 1 GB each, so that you can download in pieces, as your connection allows.

Yes, we've included the actual hi-res unretouched images in the series so that you can follow along with as Nick retouches. There are no less than 10 images available for free throughout Mastering Retouching™, either included in the lesson levels, or for free download in our customer forum.

Definitely. The sample that appears on this site is just a small preview to give you a taste of what you will learn. The actual size of the videos featured in the series is 1152x720, 24fps.

Yes. After thorough testing, we have found that the lesson videos within Mastering Retouching™ are fully compatible with iPad and iPhone, all playing in full-resolution HD. The level interface, however, will not transfer over, so you will need to use a computer if you wish to access the bonus features such as Level Notes, Key Concepts, and Related Lessons Guide. Instructions for syncing Mastering Retouching with your iPad or iPhone are available for free.

Mastering Retouching™ has been designed to accomodate and teach customers of all experience levels. We do, however, assume that you have at least opened Photoshop before and know how to Save a File or paint a simple brush stroke. No other knowledge is required. If you are a Photoshop wizard, you will have an even greater appreciation for the nuances and the techniques that we teach, including advanced lessons on Blending Modes and Layer Masks.

Mastering Retouching™ teaches you to use the tools and features of Adobe Photoshop necessary to become a master retoucher. We do not cover topics, tools, or features that do not apply to teaching our particular retouching methods.

Every technique, method, and skill taught in this series can be mastered using only a mouse. However, we would highly suggest that any serious retoucher learn how to use a Wacom™ tablet, as it will greatly increase your speed and efficiency, and add additional features to your arsenal, such as brush sensitivity.

Mastering Retouching™ is an educational tutorial that will teach you techniques for retouching even the most difficult problem areas, so that you can make any subject look amazing. It is not a plug-in or stand-alone software. We teach the series using Photoshop, though you can apply these techniques using any competing photo-enhancing program, such as Corel Painter, Photoshop Elements, and older versions of Photoshop.

Heck no. The Slickforce Technique™ is a complete system—a philopshophy of retouching—that can be used with even very old versions of Photoshop. To get the most benefit, we would suggest you at least have a version that includes tools such as Healing Brush and Patch Tool (introduced in Photoshop 7...that's OLDER than CS1!) In other words, if your version of Photoshop was made after 2001, you're cool.

Yes. Exotic Features is included for free with both the download versions and in the DVD Box Set.

Absolutely. We chose to teach the techniques using glamour photography because these shots feature the most exposed skin and problem areas to retouch. However, the Slickforce Technique™, as well as all of the tools and filters taught in Mastering Retouching™, is both scaleable and customizeable. So you can go as light or heavy as you want on the retouching. Headshot and beauty photographers will appreciate the lessons on retouching Extreme Close Ups, while fashion photographers will have a field day learning blending modes and color change methods. Wedding photographers in particular LOVE Mastering Retouching™ because you will learn how to make any bride look amazing (and how to make their mothers much, much thinner).

Rest assured, there is no nudity anywhere in this series. The reason we had the models wear swimwear was to feature as many different problem-area retouching scenarios as possible. Cleavage is as racy as we get in Mastering Retouching™. If you order the DVD Box set, you will be happy to know that the DVD packaging is family-friendly and features only headshots of the models.

Ok, silly bear. We have a Forum where you can discuss Mastering Retouching™, post questions, and read feeback from other photographers and retouchers. All of your technical questions should be directed to the Forum (click here to go there now). However, if you have a Customer Service question, you can call 213-489-9309 for the SlickforceStudio HQ (it's like the Batcave but with more color).