What does good retouching look like?
I get clients who look at their RAW, un-processed and un-edited photos and worry.
I’m here to explain what makes good retouching so good and how it can go a little too far.
The truth is, I’ve been wanting to share before-after shots but I haven’t had the heart to make one of my clients go through this. So here I am. I’m the example today. (insert scared emoji face, ha.)
let’s start from the beginning
When you come to your session - whether it’s headshots + branding or a senior portrait session - I’ve already given you suggestions on how to prepare, delivered right to your in-box.
Getting your makeup done professionally is the easiest (and who are we kidding, most painless) way to absolutely look your best. Have no fear of the makeup artist. If you want a very natural “makeup free” look, they can - and will - do that for you. If you want a glam look, they can do that, too. They are there to make YOU look YOUR best, not someone else’s.
If you do your own makeup, please make sure to use shine- or glow-free products. You will glow plenty under the studio lighting!
Another great tip - blotting papers! These lightweight tissue papers blot away any unwanted shine.
is THAT what i look like?!
While I’m photographing you in the studio, my camera is connected to my computer. You can see what is happening while it’s going on. Correct this posing mistake? Sure! Love what you see? Do more of that! It’s real-time feedback.
That being said, you may see details you’ve never noticed before. We may zoom in on your face to compare images. This is fine for YOU to compare image 1 vs image 2. BUT. (clears throat) If anyone else ever zooms in THAT much to see your pores (and they’re not a dermatologist) QUICKLY BLOCK THEM from all of your social media accounts. That’s a little creepy and we don’t need that kind of snooping in your business! (I’m just looking out for you.)
Really, the session is not that traumatic. In fact, more often, people are pleasantly surprised at how GOOD they look. That’s what happens when you combine your gorgeous mug, suggestions for posing for your body type and my awareness of angles to flatter you. Magic!
after the fact
Those fine details you suddenly can’t unsee? Rest easy! This is where the retouching comes in.
If you have your makeup done, the changes will be minimal.
If you do not have makeup done, not to worry. Here’s my biggest, most important editing philosophy: if it’s not permanent, I’ll fix it. Whether it’s acne, a scab or some other short-term blemish, consider it handled!
The other biggest offender - under-eye bags. They tend to look more, er, enhanced when we smile (if we’re not 12). Now, listen. I’m not going to make the lines and creases completely go away. First, you’d look weird, and second, you would appear so unnaturally smooth you’d resemble an alien. But a little help goes a long way. (You’re welcome.)
My goal numero uno is to make sure YOU look like YOU. If someone does a double-take looking at you and your photo, simply put, I’ve failed you. You should look like the best, most awake and brightest version of yourself.
Does this give you a bit more relief and bravery? C’mon - if I can show you my BEFORE shots, you can show the world your gorgeous AFTER shots! Let’s get you scheduled!
