MicrostockGroup

Interesting lack of response here...

I've never used a retoucher because honestly I don't have the volume of images to justify that... I like doing the post-processing myself, Photoshop is half the fun for me. I would retouch for others if it was worth it but I can't imagine someone paying me enough.

Regarding "What an I do to ensure my images wouldn't be stolen or used by the retoucher?" You write a contract, maybe even have it drafted up by an attorney so it's air-tight, and make it very clear to the retoucher that it is very easy to get caught stealing images (Tin Eye, etc.) and that not only will you fire their dishonest self, but you will sue them for everything they're worth. If you still think they will do it, keep your images to yourself.

Good luck!

I wouldn't say it is very easy.  I have found a minor part of my images in use through TinEye.  I am a bit disappointed in fact that it doesn't seem they have been updating their database lately.  At least when I try a search, I only find what was already found months ago. 

It probably wouldn't even be worth considering unless you were already making triple figures ($100k+/yr) or if you are too busy to do it yourself, and plan on barely breaking even for a while for the sake of building up a residual income in microstock.  If you can find a retoucher for a really good rate, then of course it would be a different story.  How do you put a pricetag on the value of it, though?  Stock is such a crapshoot as it is when it comes to subject matter - whether what you are uploading is even going to sell very well, or not. 

I happen to run a humble studio that works with a microstock photographer since late 2008. It all depends on how many images you want to submit. If it's 60-100 or more per week, it's probably a good idea. If you don't plan to be doing that for the next few years, you might stick to doing it yourself. You'll need to negotiate a fair rate. You might also consider the location of the retoucher. The trend for retouching is going offshore (to India, eastern Europe, etc.). Getting personal attention from someone overseas can be difficult.

You'll need about 3-6 months of "calibration time" with the retoucher to nail down your style and volume. You'll still probably be tempted to work on some as they come back from the retoucher. So don't worry about giving up working in Photoshop

Regarding confidentiality, you'll need to get a "Non-Disclosure Agreement" (NDA) signed. Preferably, you should have a lawyer draft it. If not, do something. Anything is better than nothing It is in the retoucher's best interest to keep your work confidential (especially if they are located in the United States or western Europe). We usually are quite poor and cannot market ourselves with anything but word-of-mouth. More folks will steal your images from the stock sites and "clone out" the watermarks. I've been doing this for 10 years and I am constantly getting proposals to remove watermarks (I refuse them).

Good luck!