Retouching is an important part of our process. Once a headshot shoot is complete, and our client has chosen one or more of their favorite images, the magic happens. I feel it's important to keep the retouching natural looking, so that the photo looks untouched, and like it's a natural representation of the person on their "very best day". To achieve that we subtly retouch pictures by hand to minimize or remove imperfections, and at the same time enhance the photo in ways that brings out the best in the subject while not overdoing it.
How Can Retouching Enhance Headshots?
1. Skin Smoothing: Retouching can reduce blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, creating a polished but realistic complexion.
2. Color Correction: Adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation can enhance the subject's features, making the headshot more vibrant.
3. Sharpening Details: Enhancing eyes, hair, and facial features can draw attention to the subject, making them stand out more.
4. Skin Lightening: Lightening dark areas around and under they eyes can create a more refreshed "awake" look.
5. Glasses glare: While we always try to angle our lights so that glasses don't get glare on them in the first place, occassionally, due to the type or size of glasses, there is no way to keep glare completely off. In those cases we can retouch the glare off of the glasses, for a top quality, professional-looking headshot.
6. Teeth Enhancement: Teeth can be subtly whitened and brightened to create a fresh, clean look. With more advanced retouching teeth can even be straightened or have braces removed.
7. Background Cleanup and Color Change: Removing distractions from the background and around the subject helps keep the focus on the subject. We also remove imperfections such as blemishes on clothing, and tidying up fly-away-hairs.
8. Lighting Adjustments: Fine-tuning highlights and shadows can create a more flattering light effect on the face.
9. Expression Enhancement: Minor adjustments can enhance a smile or neutralize expressions for a more approachable look.
Overall, effective retouching strikes a balance between enhancement and authenticity, ensuring the headshot represents the individual well.
Location: 1717 Leonard St., Dallas, Texas.
