Senior Photo Retoucher/Digital Artist - Automotive Focus

TheLab•New York, NY

73d•$80,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We’re a creative production studio built on visual storytelling. Based in NYC with a global footprint, we specialize in high-end creative post-production—partnering with photographers, agencies, and brands to craft striking imagery across campaigns, e-commerce, and social. From precision automotive work to beautifully nuanced lifestyle imagery, we bring every image to life with accuracy, depth, and a bit of personality. Because let’s face it—the main dish matters, but a little sauce makes everything better. We’re looking for a Senior Photo Retoucher with deep automotive expertise to join our growing post team. This role demands a keen eye for detail, mastery of lighting and reflection control, and the technical skill to craft flawless, realistic, and dynamic vehicle imagery. You’ll collaborate with our creative and production teams to execute high-end automotive retouching, compositing, and color development for global campaigns.

Requirements

5+ years of professional automotive retouching experience in a commercial studio, agency, or OEM-focused production environment.
Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Capture One.
Strong experience working with CGI composites, HDR domes, and environment plate integration.
Proven ability to balance realism with visual impact—handling materials, reflections, and lighting with precision.
Working knowledge of AI tools and the ability to merge traditional and AI-enhanced workflows.
Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset and strong attention to technical detail.

Responsibilities

Execute expert-level automotive retouching, color correction, cleanup, and compositing across CGI, photography, and mixed-media assets.
Collaborate closely with photographers, CGI artists, producers, and art directors to interpret creative intent, lead client reviews and deliver best-in-class imagery.
Refine complex multi-pass CGI renders and integrate them seamlessly with backplates and environments.
Build and iterate composites to support concept visualization and creative development.
Incorporate emerging tools—including AI-based enhancement and generation models—into retouching and ideation workflows where appropriate.
Maintain consistent color management and output standards across print, digital, and OOH deliverables.
Manage structured file systems, version control, and asset organization within studio pipelines.
Participate in quality control, routing, and delivery processes to ensure all creative and technical standards are met.