Composite and blend multiple exposures to bring all of the elements together, into one image. Utilize a variety of masking techniques to cut in the best pieces onto the base exposure.
With all of the compositing pieces in place, blend the various components together. Control color contamination throughout the image, bringing it into a cleaner, more uniform state.
With compositing and general color balance in place, begin to develop the creative aspects of color within the image through corrective and intelligent moves. Keep organized and develop layer structures that can be adjusted when handed off to another retoucher.
Continue to move through the process of refining color. From previous sections of honing from very broad areas, to now controlling very specific aspects of the image in a targeted way. Refine target areas by cutting paths to have extremely precise control over color within the image. Utilize grad...