What Is Included in Professional Headshot Retouching?
When most people think about getting new headshots, they focus on wardrobe, posing, or whether they’re “photogenic.” But one of the most overlooked (and most impactful) parts of a professional headshot is what happens after you leave the studio: the retouching.
Professional retouching is not about changing who you are. It’s not about reshaping your face or erasing every tiny detail. Great retouching should feel invisible—polished, natural, elevated—like you on your very best day. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly is included in professional headshot retouching, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect and how it enhances the final image.
1. Skin Smoothing That Looks Natural, Not Plastic
One of the most common concerns my clients have is their skin. Maybe you had a breakout, maybe it was a long week, or maybe your skin just doesn’t reflect how vibrant you feel. Professional retouching gently evens out skin texture without removing pores or making you look blurry.
My skin retouching includes:
- Reduce shine
- Remove temporary blemishes
- Soften fine lines
- Even out skin tone
Your skin will still look like your skin—just refreshed and smooth, the way it looks on a good night’s sleep.
2. Blemish Removal (But Permanent Features Stay)
Professional retouching includes removing anything that isn’t a permanent part of who you are. This means breakouts, accidental scratches, razor bumps, or redness from the day of the shoot.
However, freckles, moles, scars, and unique features you identify with stay. This is an important distinction, because the goal of retouching is authenticity—not altering your identity.
If you prefer certain features removed or softened, I can absolutely accommodate.
3. Brightening Eyes for a More Engaged Look
Eyes are the first thing people notice in a headshot. Retouching helps enhance that connection by:
- Whitening the eyes slightly (without overdoing it!)
- Adding clarity to the irises to make them pop
- Reducing red veins or discoloration
This doesn’t mean changing your eye color or making the whites unnaturally bright. It simply helps your eyes look awake, warm, and inviting—perfect for LinkedIn, website bios, and speaking profiles.
4. Teeth Whitening (Subtle and Natural)
I include gentle teeth whitening as part of their standard retouching. It isn’t about blindingly white teeth—it’s about lifting light stains so your smile feels clean, healthy, and confident.
You will not look like your teeth glow in the dark. Professional whitening is always subtle enough to complement your natural coloring.
5. Flyaway Hair Cleanup
Even with professional hair and makeup, hair has a mind of its own. The camera picks up tiny flyaways that the naked eye misses. Retouching helps tame them:
- Reducing stray hairs that distract from your face
- Smoothing frizz
- Fixing minor hair gaps or unevenness
This is especially helpful for outdoor or windy shoots. A polished hairline instantly elevates the image, making it look intentional and refined.
6. Clothing Cleanup and Adjustment
Wardrobe looks great in person, but the camera can catch things like lint, wrinkles, and crooked collars. Clothing retouching includes:
- Smoothing wrinkles
- Removing lint and dust
- Straightening collars or jackets
- Fixing bunching fabric
- Minimizing glare from certain fabrics
This ensures your outfit looks as professional and crisp as you do.
7. Exposure, Color, and Contrast Adjustments
Before any detailed retouching begins, your photographer will ensure the foundation of your photo is perfect:
- Correct exposure
- Balanced color tones
- Soft, flattering contrast
- Perfect lighting on the face
This sets the mood and ensures your headshot is cohesive with your brand—whether you want something bold, airy, or editorial.
8. Background Cleanup
Every professional headshot includes background polishing to remove anything that competes with you as the subject. This can include:
- Smoothing wrinkles in the backdrop
- Softening harsh shadows
- Evening out color transitions
- Removing dust, marks, or texture inconsistencies
For outdoor or lifestyle backgrounds, distractions like people, signage, or trash cans can be removed as well.
9. Maintaining Authenticity
The most important part of professional headshot retouching is what is not changed. Your face shape, weight, and natural features remain untouched unless you request otherwise. You should look like yourself in person—and better yet, feel proud and confident sharing your images everywhere.
The goal is simple: a polished, professional version of the real you.
Final Thoughts
When done well, professional headshot retouching is subtle, timeless, and flattering. It enhances your confidence, strengthens your personal brand, and helps your photos stand out in a crowded digital world—all while keeping you looking like yourself.
