Retouching is the process by which software is used to manipulate an image. This can be anything from removing a blemish to completely transforming the original image. Below is an example of an image I shot last year that ended up being a top ten finalist in the Shoot the Frame international photo competition (www.shoottheframe.com). As you can see, this is example uses very heavy handed retouching in order to achieve a surreal, absurd look. Obviously, this is NOT the same “basic retouching” that comes with your headshot session. 😉
before-after
Basic retouching involves the following:
– Brightening
– Color correction
– Sharpening
– Skin softening
– Brightening the eyes
– Teeth whitening

High definition is mean!!! Though the file sizes and the clarity DSLRs (digital cameras) can provide is very exciting, they can also be very unforgiving. The reality is, nobody can see what these incredible cameras can see… not casting directors, not anyone! They pick up every pore, every hair, and every little imperfection. Below is a before and after example of basic retouching.

before-and-after
As you can see, the beautiful Catherine still looks exactly like herself, but the image is brighter, softer and more vibrant. By being able to see what the image looks like in its finished form it’s much easier to make the best selection possible.

Further Retouching?

I’m always happy to do further retouching at an additional price. However, I caution everyone, do not over retouch!!!! Your headshot should look like the best version of you, not the best version of you twenty years or twenty pounds ago. However, if there’s something in your image that is distracting and/or not a part of your every day look, that’s something we can remove for you. Perhaps you had a breakout the day of the shoot and basic skin softening isn’t doing the trick. I can certainly help with that. Maybe you don’t like the color of the shirt you wore. We can change it! Maybe you’d like the background to be another color… we can change that too. There’s really no limit to what’s possible. Check out some examples below.
before-after1 before-after2 before-and-after1