Retouching: Keeping It Real

Great retouching is invisible. It enhances rather than erases, keeping the human essence alive in every portrait. My philosophy is rooted in natural edits that respect real skin while refining light and mood to align with an editorial aesthetic.

Skin Texture Matters

Over-retouching skin removes what makes us human. I focus on evening out tones, reducing blemishes, and subtly refining texture without turning it plastic. True beauty is seen in pores, freckles, and natural lines — elements that tell your story without apology.

Light Is The True Editor

Many retouching challenges come from poor lighting. When light is shaped intentionally during the shoot, retouching becomes minimal. Directional soft light reduces harsh shadows and creates clean, balanced skin tones, reducing the need for heavy post-production that can degrade realism.

Color Grading For Mood

After refining skin, I apply subtle cinematic grades to unify tones and enhance the portrait’s overall mood. Color grading is like seasoning a dish — it should amplify the natural flavours without overpowering them. My approach ensures your images remain timeless, authentic, and editorially polished.

Retouching should reveal the person within the frame rather than mask them. It’s about celebrating what is real and refining it into something powerful.

Ready to master your camera? Book a session with me and bring your vision to life.