What About Retouching? Will My Headshot Look ‘Photoshopped’?
One of the most common questions clients ask before or after their headshot session is:
“Do you retouch the photos — and will it be obvious?”
It’s a fair question. With so many overly filtered or heavily edited images circulating online, it’s natural to wonder what to expect.
The short answer is yes — we do retouch all final images.
But no — it won’t look obvious.
What does retouching actually mean?
Professional retouching, when done well, is subtle. It’s not about changing how you look — it’s about creating a polished image that still feels natural and true to you.
We’re not interested in removing every line or pore, or making your skin look like plastic. You won’t walk away with overly airbrushed skin, warped features, or that telltale “Photoshopped” look. (And we definitely don’t subscribe to the old “Vaseline on the lens” style from years gone by.)
What we do focus on is:
Evening out skin tone (while keeping skin texture)
Minimising temporary distractions — things like flyaways, blemishes or redness
Making sure the overall image looks clean and well-balanced
The goal is simple: for you to look like yourself, on a good day.
Why it matters
The purpose of a business portrait — whether it’s for LinkedIn, your website, or a professional profile — is to present a version of yourself that’s confident, approachable, and recognisable.
A great photo shouldn’t make people say, “Wow, that doesn’t even look like you.” It should make people say, “That’s such a great shot of you.”
Good retouching supports that. If it’s noticeable, it’s probably overdone.
Do I still need hair and makeup?
This also comes up a lot — especially with female clients. Our approach is the same: it’s a personal choice. Some people feel more comfortable with a bit of light makeup or professional hair styling. Others don’t — and that’s completely fine.
We always suggest keeping it simple and close to how you normally present yourself. And with retouching included, there’s no pressure to look “perfect” when you arrive. It’s our job to take care of the final touches.
In summary
We retouch every final image with care — not to make you look different, but to help you feel confident sharing your photo. The process is thoughtful, minimal, and tailored to each person.
If you’re looking for a professional, natural-looking headshot in Melbourne, and you’ve been unsure about what retouching really means — we hope this clears it up a bit.
As always, if you have questions or want to chat before booking a session, you’re welcome to get in touch.
