Menu

Edited vs. Retouched Photos

Edited vs. Retouched Photos

Hey there!

Today I’d like to chat about the difference between edited vs retouched photos.

I selected a simple headshot image that was photographed correctly but still needed a bit of help!

Raw File, Understanding Proofs vs. Retouched Images, Austin Photographer Tara Welch

RAW FILE

Honestly, this RAW file looks aight.

The color balance is off (it’s too blue) and doesn’t have enough contrast for me, but it’s exposed correctly and the artificial lighting is working pretty well.

I select this image as a keeper and move it into Adobe Lightroom.

Raw File, Understanding Proofs vs. Retouched Images, Austin Photographer Tara Welch

Edited but un-retouched photo.

EDITED IN ADOBE LIGHTROOM

In Adobe Lightroom, I warm the image up, apply some sharpening, bump contrast and deepen the blacks to make the background punch.

Her hair is still bananas and there’s a shadow around the nose that irks me but it would definitely make a decent print.

Throw a filter on it that’s your bag and publish that shiz on Instagram!

Raw File, Understanding Proofs vs. Retouched Images, Austin Photographer Tara Welch, Professional Headshots in Austin

Retouched photo.

RETOUCHED IN PHOTOSHOP

The client selected this as being one of her faves so I moved forward with it in Adobe Photoshop.

This is a beautiful, talented woman and I wanted her to look like her!

These images were used for promotion so they needed to be very polished.

 In Photoshop, I softened her skin a bit and removed the annoying nose shadow.

On men I take a very light hand with this as I don’t them to look like they are wearing makeup (unless they are!).

Skin editing is the number one boost to an image in my opinion.

The client expressed that she felt her face looked a bit round in this pose so I slightly slimmed her jawline.

This image was shot outside on a windy day and her hair is just crazy, y’all!

I liked the breeziness of it but wanted to tame it just a little. Took a bit of time and effort but came out okay!

Edited vs. Retouched Photos

Raw File, Understanding Proofs vs. Retouched Images, Austin Photographer Tara Welch, Professional Headshots in Austin, Branding photographer in Austin, ATX business

Retouched and creatively toned photo.

RETOUCHED AND CREATIVELY TONED

I hardly ever use filters or presets on my images. No muted tones, no fake film looking stuff.

I keep sh*t classic and clean so it doesn’t look dumb in ten years.

That being said…..I do have one I tweaked to death from a VSCO set I had and used it here.

It’s so, so subtle but I just love it.

Edited vs. Retouched Photos

Raw File, Understanding Proofs vs. Retouched Images, Austin Photographer Tara Welch, Professional Headshots in Austin, Branding photographer in Austin, ATX business

Black and white retouched photo with the background digitally elongated.

RETOUCHED, ELONGATED BLACK AND WHITE  WEBSITE BANNER IMAGE

Finally, this is an example of something I do a lot for professional headshots!

Many websites need a long image for a banner or to add copy and this works great!

For obvious reasons, I couldn’t do this with a outdoor scene but it works great on a white or black background.

Love this look!

All of my packages include at least a few retouched images and you can always order more if desired!

Ready to book a branding portrait session or professional headshot?

Click here!

Edited vs. Retouched Photos

SAY HELLO!

Shoot me a note and let's make it happen, captain!

You can also email me at tara@tarawelchphotography.com if needed.

If you are looking for pricing immediately, click here!