Should The Photographer Photoshop You?

Editing and retouching pictures with Photoshop or other professional software is often part of your headshot session service and a big part of your photographer's skill set. The first job of a headshot is to bring out the best version of you.

A chance to have your personality shine from your eyes and make the best first impression possible. With a few targeted changes in the editing phase, we can elevate your pictures to the next level.

Just like the difference between home selfies and professional headshots, the trained editing skill of your photographer often separates their work from your at-home editing efforts.

What do editing and retouching mean after a headshot session?

Editing

Editing involves making adjustments to the overall image:

Slight changes to lighting and exposure
Contrast adjustments for better depth
Cropping for optimal composition
Color correction and enhancement
Background adjustments

Retouching

Retouching focuses on enhancing facial features:

Skin tone evening and smoothing
Blemish and temporary imperfection removal
Teeth whitening and enhancement
Stray hair removal
Eye brightening

What kind of retouches can your photographer make?

Skin Retouching

Professional skin retouching can address temporary imperfections while maintaining your natural skin texture. This includes smoothing minor blemishes, reducing shine, and evening out skin tone without creating an artificial, overly-smooth appearance.

Teeth Whitening

Subtle teeth whitening can enhance your smile without making it look unnaturally bright. The goal is to remove any color casts from lighting and create a naturally bright, healthy-looking smile.

Color and Exposure Editing

Professional color correction ensures your skin tone looks natural and flattering under any lighting conditions. Exposure adjustments can enhance the overall quality and impact of your headshot.

Stray Hair Removal

Removing distracting flyaway hairs or stray pieces that might have moved during the session helps create a clean, polished final image.

Levels of Retouching

Different career paths and industries may require different levels of editing and retouching:

Conservative Retouching (Business Professionals)

Minimal skin smoothing
Basic color correction
Stray hair removal
Slight teeth whitening
Focus on natural, authentic appearance

Enhanced Retouching (Creative Fields)

More refined skin work
Enhanced eye brightening
Subtle contouring enhancement
More dramatic lighting adjustments
Stylized color grading

Knowing when to stop during the editing process

The key to successful headshot retouching is knowing when to stop. Over-editing can result in an unnatural appearance that doesn't represent the real you. Professional photographers understand this balance and work to enhance your natural features rather than change them.

The Golden Rule:

Your headshot should look like you on your best day, not like a different person entirely. The goal is enhancement, not transformation.

Common retouching mistakes to avoid

Warning Signs of Over-Editing:

Overdone skin retouching: Skin that looks plastic or unnaturally smooth
Changing facial shape: Altering your natural bone structure or proportions
Unrealistic teeth whitening: Teeth that appear artificially bright or blue-white
Heavy-handed color correction: Skin tones that don't look natural
Removing natural characteristics: Freckles, moles, or other defining features

Importance of communication during the headshot session

Clear communication with your photographer about your retouching preferences is essential:

Discuss your comfort level with retouching before the session
Share examples of headshots you like and dislike
Mention any specific concerns or areas you'd like addressed
Ask to see examples of the photographer's retouching style
Establish boundaries about what should and shouldn't be changed

Questions to ask your photographer

Important Questions:

What level of retouching is included in your package?
Can I see before and after examples of your work?
How do you maintain a natural appearance while enhancing features?
What's your process for client feedback on edits?
Are additional retouching services available if needed?

The Bottom Line

Professional editing and retouching should enhance your natural appearance and help you put your best foot forward. The goal is to create a headshot that looks like you on your absolute best day— confident, polished, and authentic.

When done skillfully, viewers should notice how great you look, not the fact that the photo has been retouched. Trust your photographer's expertise, communicate your preferences clearly, and remember that the best headshots maintain your unique character while presenting you in the most professional light possible.

SHOULD THE PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOSHOP YOU?