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Your headshot should look like you on your best day.
Not like a different person.
I’ve retouched headshots for years, and the biggest mistake I see is over-editing. Here’s what I fix, and what I leave alone:
✅ What I fix
Temporary things: blemishes, stray hairs, flyaways
Distracting shine on the forehead and nose
Under-eye shadows, softened but not erased
Uneven skin tone and color casts from the lighting
Collar creases, lint and wrinkles in clothing
Background distractions
❌ What I leave
Skin texture. Pores are what make skin look real.
Laugh lines and natural expression
Face shape, jawline and proportions
Anything that changes how you look in person
The test is simple: if a colleague meets you after seeing your photo, they should recognize you right away. The photo should get you hired, trusted or booked. The first meeting should never feel like a mismatch.
For teams, there’s one more rule: consistency. Same skin tone, same background, same lighting feel across everyone on the “About Us” page. That’s what makes a company look organized.
Photographers: if retouching is slowing you down after a shoot, I’m happy to take a few sample files off your hands.
What’s the biggest turn-off for you in a professional photo: too much editing, or none at all? 👇
#ProfessionalHeadshots #PhotoRetouching #PersonalBranding #PhotographyBusiness
headshotretouchingprofessionalheadshotspersonalbrandingPhoto EditingPhotographyPhoto RetouchingAdobe Photoshop
The network for creativity
Join 1.25M professional creatives like you
Connect with clients, get discovered, and run your business 100% commission-free
Creatives on Contra have earned over $150M and we are just getting started
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