Headshot Retouching: Natural, Enhanced, or Somewhere In Between

Let’s talk retouching. Not the kind where you emerge looking like a cartoon character—but the kind that meets you where you are, supports how you want to be seen, and gives you a little boost if and when you want it.

In my studio, I offer customizable headshot retouching—from natural, light-touch polishing to more refined enhancements when clients request them. Because your headshot should reflect you, and how you feel most confident in your own skin (or suit, or scrubs).

If you’re still planning your session, check out what to wear for tips on pulling everything together visually before we even hit the shutter.

Natural Retouching: The Standard Polish

By default, I aim for a clean, natural look. That includes:

• Softening uneven skin tone
• Minimizing blemishes, redness, or flyaways
• Reducing under-eye circles or shine
• Gently brightening eyes and teeth

Think of it as your “slept well, drank water, avoided stress” version of yourself. This level of retouching works beautifully for actors, professionals, and anyone wanting a photo that looks like them—just on their best day.

But… A Little Extra Is Always Okay

That said, not everyone comes into a session feeling 100% like themselves—and that’s where a little extra care can go a long way. Some clients request:

• Subtle slimming of the face, jawline, or midsection
• Minimizing post-procedure swelling or temporary puffiness
• Refining areas affected by hair thinning or skin treatments
• Smoothing lines or shadows that feel distracting in photos

I totally understand—this is about preference, privacy, and control. Whether you’ve just had (or are planning) cosmetic enhancements, or you simply want to feel more confident in your current season, I’ll work with you and my trusted retoucher to achieve results that still feel like you.

How It Works (and What It Costs)

All final headshots are lightly processed and delivered in a downloadable gallery for web and print. If you’d like additional retouching, I offer it as an optional service—with pricing based on the level of work requested.

You can decide after viewing your proofs, and we’ll go over everything together. Some clients want zero retouching. Others want a little. Some want more. It’s all up to you—and it’s all okay.

Confidence First, Always

The point of a headshot isn’t perfection—it’s connection. But that doesn’t mean you can’t choose to refine what you want, and soften what feels distracting. My goal is to help you feel great about what you see, whether we barely touch a thing or do a little behind-the-scenes polish.

You’re in control of how much (or little) we retouch.
Whether you want to go all-natural or prefer a bit of digital assistance, we’ll tailor it to your goals, your comfort level, and your timeline. 🎯

Coming next: a client spotlight on rebranding with confidence—and how the right image helped them feel seen, not filtered.