Portrait Retouching:  What It Is & What It Is Not

Portrait Retouching:  The “Right” Amount of Retouching

I retouch a lot of Portraits.  In fact, the majority of my client work has a basic level of Portrait retouching.

However, there seems to be a misconception on the part of the Public that retouching is a terrible thing.  In general, people point to photos where someone looks like a fantasy version of themselves with oversmoothed skin and even body modifications.  The most egregious instances I see are the cheap AI generated headshots where people upload a photo from their camera roll.  It often gets spit out looking like an overly enhanced glamour shot.  With a fake background to boot.

Many Photographers these days don’t want to spend time retouching and are outsourcing their retouching to cheap services/AI.   I think that is where a lot of the problems and misconceptions crop up.

How Do I Do Portrait Retouching?

When I am editing client work, that is not what I am doing.  I do not outsource my editing and retouching.  Unless of course the client asks for that.  Good retouching takes time and care.  My goal is always to make you look like the best version of yourself.  Starting with a light hand is usually best.

Modern Technology and Today’s Cameras

First, let’s discuss the technology in modern digital cameras.  Cameras today capture a crazy amount of detail.  I am talking like we can see every single pore on a subject’s face.  This is way more than you would notice in casual conversation with someone.  Let’s be real—cameras today can be RUDE.  They can be like that acquaintance we all have that feels compelled to point out all your flaws and shortcomings.  While they say, “Nothing personal.”  LOL.

I think after over 20 years photographing Portraits that I can confidently state nobody wants to see their pores and wrinkles in 4K.  NOBODY.

Authentic Portrait Retouching

So–I retouch.  I will remove a blemish that popped up the night before.  I will even out skin tone if it seems problematic.  I definitely get rid of pesky stray hairs or fluffy bits on clothing that did not get removed with a lint roller.  If your eyebags look like suitcases, I will soften those.  I will lighten teeth—but not to the point where they look like those wax teeth kids play with.

I try very hard to get flattering light in camera.  However, sometimes with certain lighting scenarios, lines or shadows can look way harsher than they do in person.  I will soften that.

I also have begun having conversations up front with how much retouching clients feel comfortable with.  Some people want it all.  Some people want very little.  I have learned to do less with the option of adding more.

At the end of the day, it should be about keeping the things that make someone look like their real selves, not a fantasy generated version.  Your skin needs to look like skin.  You need to keep your expressions.

Portrait Retouching FAQs:

What does image retouching involve for headshots?

Image retouching for headshots is not simply removing blemishes. It includes refining skin, fixing stray hairs, balancing color, contrast, and lighting.  Perhaps even some adjustment to clothing where necessary and appropriate.  The goal is to produce an authentic and natural image, presenting the best version of you.

Why is nuance and subtlety important in retouching?

Subtle retouching retains your natural features.  It prevents a “plastic” or fake look. Over-editing can remove character from your face and make skin appear waxy or unreal.  Too much teeth whitening can make you look like Mr. Ed.  Overly brightened eyes tend to look demonic.  The goal is natural, not totally flawless.

How Do i evaluate the quality of a photographer’s retouching?

Of course, review final images in their portfolio.  Pay attention to skin texture, color tones, and detail.  Do the images feel polished, professional and authentic?  Do you like the look and feel of the images?  Also, have a conversation about how the Photographer is retouching—do they do the work themselves or send it out?  Do they listen to your input about retouching?

In the end, retouching Portraits is not about creating a perfect version of a client.  It is about making sure they look like the best version of themselves.  Because sometimes cameras can be a little too realistic.

If you enjoyed this post on Portrait Retouching, you might also enjoy this Retouching Post on our sister site, Blackburn Portrait Design.

Are you ready to book your Executive Portrait with Saratoga Headshots?  Please call the studio directly at (518) 584-4237 or use our Contact Form today.