MICHAEL REGAN
Chicago,IL
Summary
Detail-oriented Creative Producer and Photographer with 5+ years of experience in high-end retouching, color correction, and image manipulation using Adobe Creative Suite. Specializes in delivering client-ready visuals for portraits, live events, and promotional projects in fast-paced environments. Maintains a streamlined workflow to ensure consistent retouching standards and rapid turnaround.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Portrait Photographer / Retoucher
Picture Day
Chicago, IL
01.2024 - Current
- Captured portraits of kindergarten through high school students in high-volume settings, ensuring high-quality images.
- Culled and color-corrected selects in Adobe Lightroom to enhance image quality before final retouching in Adobe Photoshop.
- Performed detailed retouching, cleanup, and quality control to ensure consistent, client-ready results.
- Managed lighting and backdrop setup with equipment to streamline on-site production.
- Coordinated with staff and students to maintain pace, consistency, and production standards.
Event Photographer / Retoucher
Zanies Comedy Club
Chicago, IL
01.2024 - Current
- Captured live event photography to enhance promotional and advertising materials.
- Delivered polished, commercial-ready images optimized for web and social media to maximize audience engagement.
- Retouch and color-correct selects in Adobe Photoshop to maintain consistent visual standards aligned with the Zanies brand.
- Collaborated with club management and talent to align content with creative direction and marketing objectives.
Digital Media Producer / Photo Retoucher
Roast Battle Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2022 - Current
- Retouched and delivered photography using Adobe Photoshop, focusing on color correction, cleanup, and image enhancement for effective marketing.
- Created graphics and visual assets that enhanced event promotion, boosted ticket sales, and supported audience growth.
- Edit video content for social platforms, ensuring consistent branding and fast turnaround.
- Collaborated with performers and production teams to produce timely content that met tight deadlines.
- Contributed to platform growth through consistent campaign-ready output: TikTok (104K+), Facebook (38K+), Instagram (24K+), YouTube (12K+).
Freelance Photographer / Photo Retoucher / Media Producer
MTR Productions
Chicago, IL
01.2020 - Current
- Produced photo, video, and graphic design assets for comedy shows, live events, and online branding, enhancing visual storytelling and audience engagement.
- Delivered professional photo retouching and editing services using Adobe Photoshop, enhancing images through color correction, skin cleanup, and detailed adjustments.
- Edit video content for social media and digital campaigns, ensuring polished, platform-ready delivery.
- Developed branded marketing materials that increased event promotion effectiveness, driving ticket sales and audience growth.
- Manage end-to-end workflow including client communication, production planning, post-production, and final asset delivery.
Talent Producer / Experiential Production
Figment
, Nationwide (Hybrid)
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Book and manage comedic talent for Bilt Rewards events across major markets including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Nashville, and Miami.
- Secure venues and coordinate talent contracts, show logistics, and production needs with venue teams.
- Oversee onsite operations and show execution, ensuring smooth run-of-show and professional guest experience.
Webmaster
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Designed and maintained organization's website, enhancing design, usability, and brand consistency.
- Managed content updates, event postings, and announcements, ensuring timely communication and relevance.
- Created promotional graphics and digital assets, increasing engagement across banners, flyers, and social media content.
Content & Editorial Intern / Production Assistant
Do312
Chicago, IL
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Assisted production team on-site for Chicago's first-ever drag queen festival, ensuring smooth logistics, effective promotion, and successful event execution.
- Coordinated content preparation, graphic support, and publishing to streamline event marketing workflows.
- Created digital content and promotional assets that enhanced visibility for live events and editorial features.
Education
Certification of Completion - Art Direction Program
Book180 Portfolio School
Chicago, IL05-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
DePaul University
Chicago, IL06-2020
Associate of Arts - Psychology
City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, IL12-2017
Skills
- Photo retouching and manipulation
- High-end retouching
- Image compositing
- Photo optimization
- Color correction and matching
- Non-destructive editing
- Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- Graphic design expertise
- Typography and layout design
- Brand consistency and visual standards
- Image editing workflow
- Video editing skills
Delivery And File Management
- Pixieset
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- WeTransfer
- Batch Processing
- File Naming Standards
- Fast Turnaround Delivery
Retouching And Post Production
- Frequency Separation
- Dodge & Burn
- Color Matching
- Compositing
- Masking
- Liquify
- Object Removal
- Skin Cleanup
- Background Extensions
- Sharpening / Noise Reduction
- Export Optimization
Tools And Workflow
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Bridge, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects)
- Camera Raw (ACR)
- Photo Mechanic
- GotPhoto
- HH Schools
- Canva
Timeline
Talent Producer / Experiential Production
Figment
01.2025 - 12.2025
Portrait Photographer / Retoucher
Picture Day
01.2024 - Current
Event Photographer / Retoucher
Zanies Comedy Club
01.2024 - Current
Digital Media Producer / Photo Retoucher
Roast Battle Chicago
01.2022 - Current
Freelance Photographer / Photo Retoucher / Media Producer
MTR Productions
01.2020 - Current
Content & Editorial Intern / Production Assistant
Do312
01.2019 - 12.2019
Webmaster
DePaul University
01.2018 - 01.2020
Certification of Completion - Art Direction Program
Book180 Portfolio School
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
DePaul University
Associate of Arts - Psychology
City Colleges of Chicago