In the age of Instagram filters, AI face-tuning apps, and ultra-polished celebrity portraits, many photography clients are left wondering: What exactly does “retouching” mean when it comes to professional photo sessions? What’s included in the price? What costs extra? And how far is too far?
This post will demystify retouching for clients considering a photo session — whether it’s family, maternity, couples, headshots, or personal branding. If you’re booking with Vlad Mixer Photography here in Austin, Texas, this guide will set your expectations and help you understand what you’re really getting when you invest in professional photography.
What Is Retouching, Really?
Let’s start with the basics.
Retouching is not the same as editing. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually very different steps in the post-production process.
- Editing includes color correction, exposure adjustments, cropping, contrast, white balance, and applying the photographer’s style or preset to the images.
- Retouching is more detailed work: removing blemishes, smoothing skin, brightening eyes, whitening teeth, or even body reshaping. It’s time-intensive and photo-specific.
When you see “edited photos” included in your gallery — that means every image has been professionally adjusted for color and consistency. Retouching, on the other hand, is often applied selectively, and depending on the photographer, it may or may not be included in your package price.
What’s Always Included with Vlad Mixer Photography
At Vlad Mixer Photography, every client gallery — whether from a free mini session or a full premium shoot — includes professionally edited images. That means:
- Clean color tones
- Balanced exposure
- Light cropping and alignment
- Mood and warmth tailored to the moment
- Cohesive style across the gallery
These edits are done by hand using professional tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. They ensure that every image looks polished and ready to be framed — even before any further retouching.
Standard Retouching: What You Can Expect
For full sessions and premium galleries, the following light retouching is included on highlight images (the best ones from the shoot):
- Blemish removal (temporary acne, scratches, or minor redness)
- Teeth whitening (natural and subtle)
- Eye brightening
- Light skin smoothing (while preserving texture and pores)
- Flyaway hair cleanup when distracting
This retouching is subtle and respectful. The goal is to polish your natural features, not erase them.
What’s Not Automatically Included
Heavy or advanced retouching is typically not included in standard delivery because it requires significantly more time per image. However, it’s absolutely available upon request for an additional fee.
Examples include:
- Body reshaping
- Removing objects or people in the background
- Fixing wardrobe issues (wrinkles, bra straps, twisted clothing)
- Makeup correction
- Head swaps (for group portraits)
- Removing braces or tan lines
- Heavy acne or skin condition cleanup
If you have any specific request, we can absolutely accommodate it — you’ll just need to select the images you want retouched and I’ll provide a custom quote.
Why “Natural” Is Often Better Than “Perfect”
Perfection is overrated. Over-retouched photos can feel emotionally flat. When skin looks like plastic or eyes glow unnaturally, we lose the humanity in the portrait.
At Vlad Mixer Photography, I believe in authentic beauty. My style emphasizes:
- Real skin texture
- Honest expressions
- Natural light and color
- Avoiding body modification unless requested
You’ll look like the best version of yourself — not someone completely different.
Special Cases: Kids, Newborns, and Seniors
Kids and Babies
Children under 10 are rarely retouched beyond small blemish removal. Their joy and charm come through naturally.
Newborns
Flaky skin, baby acne, and temporary redness are gently corrected. If parents prefer to remove diaper lines or umbilical stumps, that can also be done upon request. The editing is always gentle and respectful.
High School Seniors
Blemishes, light smoothing, and teeth whitening are standard. Additional retouching like stray hair removal or background cleanup is available if you’re ordering prints or announcements.
Why Retouching Isn’t Instant (And Why That’s Good)
Retouching is an art — not an automated filter. It often takes 10 to 45 minutes per image depending on the complexity.
This is a sign of quality. When I retouch an image, I zoom in to 300%, fine-tune skin tone and texture, remove distractions, and ensure the result holds up in large print. It’s not rushed. It’s carefully done.
When to Ask for Custom Retouching
Some clients request additional work for images they want to print or use professionally. Common examples include:
- Removing distracting signs or people in the background
- Cleaning up runny noses in toddler shots
- Fixing wardrobe folds
- Enhancing a photo for a LinkedIn profile
- Swapping faces in a group shot
These edits are entirely optional and priced transparently per image.
Can You Retouch My Own Photos?
Yes, I also offer professional retouching for images not taken by me — including smartphone portraits and headshots — as long as:
- You have rights to the image
- It’s high-resolution
- You understand turnaround is 3–5 business days
If you want a clean, polished look for social media, business profiles, or even dating apps, I’m happy to help.
Retouching and Printing: What to Know
Imperfections that are invisible on your phone might stand out in a 16×24 wall print. That’s why I always recommend retouching any image you plan to print large.
I also offer print consultations to help you decide which images will benefit most from advanced touch-ups. You’ll get the best version of your photo — one that you’ll be proud to hang in your home.
Communication Is Key
Every client has different comfort levels and preferences when it comes to editing. That’s why I always offer:
- Free consultations about retouching
- Image selection help
- Honest guidance about what’s possible
If you’re worried about a scar, wrinkle, or specific detail, just let me know. My goal is to make sure you feel great about every photo you receive.
Wrapping It Up: The Real Power of Retouching
Retouching isn’t about erasing who you are. It’s about letting your true self shine through without distractions. Done right, it’s invisible — it makes people say, “Wow, that’s a great photo of you,” not “Wow, that’s Photoshopped.”
At Vlad Mixer Photography, my approach to retouching is subtle, respectful, and rooted in trust. Whether you want your images completely natural or with a bit of extra polish, I’ll work with you to make sure the result feels like you — just your best, most confident self.
If you’re looking for a photographer in Austin who combines authentic portraiture with professional post-production, let’s connect.
