The Art of Natural Retouching: My Approach to Headshots
When you book a professional headshot session, you're investing in how you show up in the world — whether that’s online, in business, or for your personal brand. Naturally, one of the questions I get asked most often is:
“Do you retouch the photos?”
The short answer is: yes.
The longer answer? I do it with care, subtlety, and intention.
Retouching is part of the process, but I believe it should always respect your natural features and preserve the real you. A great headshot builds trust and connection — and that only happens when you still look like yourself.
My Philosophy on Skin Retouching: Keep It Real
Cameras are incredibly detailed, especially with professional lighting. They pick up everything — including things the eye wouldn’t usually notice in real life. That’s where careful, natural retouching comes in.
I always aim for a clean, polished look that still feels authentic. Skin should look like skin, not plastic. Texture is important. So is personality. I never over-smooth, and I avoid anything that makes you look airbrushed or unrecognizable.
What I Do Retouch:
✔ Blemishes & Temporary Skin Issues
Things like pimples, redness, sun spots, or dry areas can all be gently removed — especially if you came in without foundation or concealer (totally fine, by the way). These are not permanent features, so they can go.
✔ Evening Out Skin Tone
I’ll soften uneven patches or under-eye darkness, while keeping skin texture intact. The goal is a natural glow, not a plastic blur.
✔ Stray Hairs & Flyaways
I’ll clean up any distracting hairs, especially around the hairline or brows, that catch light or draw the eye.
✔ Clothing Touch-Ups
Lint, noticeable wrinkles, dust, or threads? Gone. A polished wardrobe helps create a polished overall image.
✔ Eyes that Pop
The eyes are always the focus. I enhance them just enough to add clarity and brightness — nothing dramatic, just enough to make them stand out.
What I Don’t Do:
✖ Blur the skin into a flat surface
✖ Reshape or alter facial features
✖ Remove permanent features like freckles, scars, or moles (unless you request it)
✖ Add dramatic effects or filters
My edits are gentle, professional, and respectful of your individuality.
Retouching is about removing distractions — not changing who you are. You’ll still look like you, just a little more polished, rested, and camera-ready.
If you have personal preferences (more natural, less editing, specific requests), I’m always happy to adjust. Every client is different, and your comfort and confidence are my priority.
Real Retouching Examples
Here are two real examples from my studio work:
Example 1:
Light blemishes and redness were softened.
Skin tone was evened out while preserving natural texture.
A few flyaway hairs were removed for a cleaner look.
Eyes were brightened slightly to bring focus.
Example 2:
Redness and dryness were gently corrected.
Lint and small fabric imperfections were retouched from clothing.
Flyaways were cleaned up.
The subject’s natural glow and skin texture were fully preserved.
The result: A fresh, polished version of the real you — ready to make a lasting impression.
Have more questions about what happens after your session? Reach out anytime — I’m here to help you shine.