Everything you could possibly want to know about retouching!

Can Retouching Save Bad Photos? The Truth Behind Photo Editing Have you ever taken what should have been the perfect shot, only to realize later that something went wrong? Maybe the lighting was off, the skin looked too textured, or an unwanted object appeared in the background. The good news? Professional retouching can work wonders—but with limitations. What Can Be Fixed? Lighting Issues: Overexposed or underexposed images can often be corrected. Skin & Beauty Retouching: Blemishes, wrinkles, and even makeup mishaps can be refined. Background Distractions: Unwanted objects or people can be removed seamlessly. Color Correction: Adjusting tones for a natural or cinematic feel. Composition Tweaks: Sometimes, slight cropping and reshaping can dramatically improve an image. What’s Harder to Fix? Extremely Low-Resolution Photos: If the image lacks detail, enhancing it can be tricky. Severely Blurred Shots: Some sharpness can be restored, but not always to a professional standard. Compl...

                      Top Retouching Trends in 2025 photo Eric Lamothe  ÉdP - L’ÉCHOURIE fw25 1. Natural Skin Texture The era of overly airbrushed “plastic skin” is behind us. Retouchers now focus on preserving natural pores, fine lines, and realistic tones, creating authentic yet polished looks. For instance, Chanel’s Cruise 2025 campaign, shot by Jamie Hawkesworth , showcases this approach with its sun-kissed imagery.   2. Cinematic Color Grading Inspired by blockbuster movies and streaming series, cinematic color grading with moody tones or bold contrasts is dominating editorial and advertising shoots. Miu Miu’s Spring 2025 collection , presented in a setting resembling a newspaper printing factory, exemplifies this trend with its dramatic and storytelling visuals.   3. Minimalistic Retouching Subtle and refined adjustments are the new gold standard. Modern clients, especially luxury brands, demand a cl...

Human Retouching vs AI Retouching In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant progress in the field of image editing and retouching. Neural networks can now enhance photos with just a few clicks, making retouching more accessible than ever. However, while AI tools can be useful, they often fall short when compared to the quality and precision of professional human retouching. In this article, we’ll explore why working with a skilled retoucher is the superior choice for achieving outstanding results. 1. Personalized Approach to Every Image • Human Retoucher : A professional retoucher analyzes each image with a keen eye for detail, considering the context, style, and unique features of the subject. They tailor their approach to match the client’s specific needs and artistic vision. • AI : Neural networks rely on algorithms and presets, which often lead to generic and predictable results. They can’t account for the nuances that make each photo unique. 2. Sup...

  How to Choose the Best Photo Retouching Service for Your Needs In today’s visually driven world, professional photo retouching services play a crucial role in enhancing images for personal and business use. Whether you're a photographer, a brand owner, or an influencer, finding the right service can make all the difference in creating impactful visuals. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best photo retouching service for your needs? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the right decision. 1.   Understand Your Needs The first step in choosing a photo retouching service is understanding what you need. Ask yourself the following questions: Do you need high-end portrait retouching or basic edits? Are you looking for services like background removal, color correction, or object removal? Is this for personal use, social media, or professional purposes (e.g., e-commerce, magazine publication)? For example, high-end retouching is ideal for photographer...

  How to Prepare Photos for Retouching: A Photographer’s Checklist from a Retoucher’s Perspective Introduction Preparing your photos for professional retouching is a crucial step to achieve outstanding results. While it might seem like a small detail, proper preparation can save time and enhance the final image quality. Here’s a simple checklist to ensure your files are retouch-ready. 1. Camera Settings Matter • Shoot in RAW Format: Unlike JPEG, RAW preserves maximum detail and color information, giving the retoucher more flexibility. • Set the Right White Balance: Avoid unnecessary color casts by ensuring proper white balance during the shoot. • Use Low ISO: A low ISO reduces noise and helps maintain image sharpness. In fact you should know better what settings to set for your own camera, and I retouch any format! just your expectations should match reality. it is much harder to get details out of a dark jpg than a RAW. 2. Lighting and Exposure Do you want to hear t...

  How Does Retouching Differ for Photographers, Brands, and Bloggers? Retouching for Photographers Photographers often seek retouchers to achieve a flawless result that aligns with their vision and style. Key Features: 1. Preserving the artistic style : Photographers value retouching that enhances their creative ideas without altering their unique style. 2. Attention to detail : Every element, from skin texture to lighting and color transitions, needs to be carefully refined. 3. Versatile tasks : Photographers work in various genres, including portraits, landscapes, and product photography, requiring flexibility in retouching. Retouching for Brands For brands, retouching is a way to create professional visuals that reflect their image and marketing goals. Key Features: 1. Consistent visual style : All brand images must align with their corporate identity, including colors and aesthetics. 2. Focus on the product : The product is the star of the image, whether it’...