One photo, two very different impressions
Many people think retouching is about “fixing” a photo. In reality, good retouching does something else: it removes whatever distracts the eye and leaves what the photo is really about, which is the people, the emotion and the mood.
Let me show you with a recent example.
Case study: a studio shoot for two bachata instructors
Two bachata instructors asked me to photograph them for their Instagram page. They wanted energetic, expressive images that show the character of their dance at first glance.
We shot in a studio with strobe (pulsed) lighting, so the original files were high quality: sharp, detailed and cleanly lit. But even with a strong starting point, a finished photo doesn’t appear on its own.
Step 1: Colour and light correction.
I balance the white balance, contrast and tones so the whole set looks consistent and feels like one series.
Step 2: Detailed retouching.
Then I work on skin, small flaws on clothing and background, highlights and fine details.
The difference is obvious. The image becomes cleaner, more focused and more professional, while the people still look alive: no plastic skin, no over-polished look.
Like what you see? Message me on WhatsApp and we’ll choose the right session for you.
Quick facts
- Editing time: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours per photo, depending on complexity
- Included by default: wedding packages and studio brand photography packages
- You choose which photos get fully retouched
- Style: natural skin texture, no “plastic” look
When retouching matters most
Retouching can help in almost any shoot, but there are situations where it makes the biggest difference.
Business and brand photography
Photos for a brand, social media, posters or ads work as your visiting card, and small details are far more noticeable. These images are often enlarged, printed and published, so they need to be flawless. See how I work with companies on the corporate photography page.
Individual portrait sessions
The most common request I get is clean, even skin, and that’s completely normal. The key is to do it gently, so you still look like yourself. You can tell me in advance how light or how detailed you want the editing to be. More about portrait sessions in Athens.
Photos for other professionals
Sometimes photographers book a session with me for their own page or portfolio. The standards there are especially high.
Good retouching should be invisible
Good retouching doesn’t turn you into someone else. The skin keeps its texture, the face keeps its expression, and the photo stays honest. The goal is that when you look at the result, you think “this looks great, ” not “this is clearly edited.”
Questions and answers
Will you change my face or figure?
By default, no. Standard retouching cleans up distractions and evens out skin, so you still look like yourself. If you want deeper changes to the face or figure, I can do that too. It’s a separate, more time-consuming type of editing, so it is priced differently. Just tell me before the session and we’ll agree on the details.
Can I ask for lighter or stronger retouching?
Yes. Tell me your preference and we’ll adjust the level of editing to suit you.
How long does retouching take?
Each photo is edited individually, and it takes from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours per photo, depending on how complex it is. The total delivery time depends on how many photos you choose: [X days for a typical set].
Want photos like these?
If you need photos for your business, social media or simply beautiful portraits in Athens, get in touch. We’ll discuss your goals, choose the right type of session and decide together what kind of editing suits you best.