Retouching is where an editor turns a good photo into a finished one. On a product shot that might mean removing dust, scratches, fingerprints, labels or a reflection of the photographer. On a portrait it means softening temporary blemishes, tidying stray hairs and evening out skin, while keeping the person recognisably themselves.
Our rule is simple: the viewer should notice the image, not the editing. We avoid heavy blur, over-smoothed skin and fake-looking surfaces. Textures stay, pores stay, the grain of leather and the weave of fabric stay. What goes is anything that distracts.
You decide how far we go. Some clients want a light clean-up, others want a polished high-end finish for a campaign. Tell us your style or send a reference image and we will match it.
What our photo retouching service includes
- Dust, scratch and fingerprint removal
- Blemish and temporary skin mark clean-up
- Stray hair and lint removal
- Reflection and glare reduction
- Wrinkle and crease smoothing on products and clothing
- Label, tag and price sticker removal
- Colour and tone balancing
- Light, medium and high-end retouch levels
Before and after
Drag the slider to compare an unedited photo with the finished result. These are real photos edited by hand, not mock-ups.
Before After Who it is for
Product photography
Close-up shots reveal every speck of dust. We clean them up so buyers see the product, not the studio.
Fashion and apparel
Creases, loose threads and lint are removed while the fabric keeps its texture.
Beauty and cosmetics
Bottles, compacts and swatches get clean surfaces and controlled reflections.
Portraits and headshots
Natural skin retouching for LinkedIn, company websites and personal branding.
Editorial and marketing
Campaign images get a consistent, polished finish across a whole set.
How we make sure it looks right
We retouch with non-destructive layers: healing and clone work on separate layers, frequency separation used lightly where it helps, and adjustment layers for tone. If you order PSD files you get those layers, so your team can dial anything back.
For people we follow a clear policy: we remove temporary things (spots, redness, stray hairs) and leave permanent features such as moles, freckles and scars unless the client specifically asks. Body reshaping is only done on request and we keep it realistic.
How it works
- Share images and style. Send images plus notes or a reference of the look you like.
- Agree the retouch level. We confirm light, medium or high-end and quote before paid work.
- Retouch. An editor works in layers, focusing on the areas you care about.
- Review. A second editor compares before and after at full size.
- Deliver and refine. You review the results and we adjust anything free.
Turnaround and file formats
Delivery time depends on the number of images and how complex they are, so we confirm a firm deadline with every quote rather than promising a one-size-fits-all number. Rush delivery is available for many jobs; just ask when you send your files.
We accept JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD, HEIC, WebP and most camera RAW formats (CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW, RAF, DNG). You choose the output: high-quality JPG, transparent PNG, layered PSD, TIFF or WebP, in sRGB for web or another colour profile for print. We keep your file names and folder structure so the edited files drop straight back into your workflow.
Preparing your files
- Send the largest, sharpest version you have. We can always size down, but we cannot add detail that is not there.
- Tell us where the images will be used (Amazon, your own store, print, social) so we export the right size.
- Include one finished example or a reference image if you have a particular style in mind.
- Share large batches by Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer or a similar link.
Why hand editing still matters
Automatic tools are fast, and for some jobs they are good enough. The trouble is that they make the same small mistakes again and again: soft edges where there should be crisp ones, missing gaps, colour fringes, and details that quietly disappear. On a thumbnail you might not notice. On a zoomed product page, a printed catalogue or a large banner, customers do. Our photo retouching work is done by trained editors who look at every edge and every surface, and who can make judgement calls a tool cannot, such as what belongs to the product and what is just a reflection or a speck of dust.
Our quality checklist
- Every image is checked at 100% zoom, not just as a thumbnail.
- Edges are reviewed on contrasting backgrounds to catch halos and stray pixels.
- Colour is compared with the original so the product stays true to life.
- Sizing, margins and naming follow the brief for the whole batch.
- A second editor signs off each file before delivery.
Large and recurring orders
If you have a big catalogue or a regular flow of new products, we set up a short style guide with you on the first order covering background, margins, shadows, file size and naming. Every later batch follows it, whichever editor works on it, so your images stay consistent month after month. Regular clients also get volume pricing and a predictable delivery schedule agreed in advance, which makes it easier to plan product launches and seasonal drops.
Pricing
Every image is different, so we price photo retouching by complexity and volume. Send a few samples and we will reply with a clear per-image quote before you commit to anything. See our pricing page for how quotes work.
Frequently asked questions
Will my photos look fake?
No. We aim for a natural finish and keep texture. If you want a stronger look, we can do that too.
Can you remove a reflection of the photographer?
In most cases, yes. Large reflections on curved chrome or glass may need rebuilding, which we will flag before starting.
Do you change body shape?
Only if you ask, and we keep changes realistic.
Can I get layered files?
Yes. Order PSD and the retouch layers are kept.
Do you retouch phone photos?
Yes, as long as the image is in focus. Higher resolution gives better results.
Can you match an existing set of images?
Send a few finished examples and we will match the style.
Can I try the service before paying?
Yes. Send a few images through our free trial and judge the quality yourself, with no card needed.
Are my images kept private?
Yes. Your files are used only to complete your order and are not shared or used in our portfolio without your written permission.
Try our photo retouching service free
Send us a few images and we will edit them at no cost, so you can see the quality before placing an order.
Related services: Portrait & Headshot Retouching, Colour Correction Service, Product Photo Editing.
