Your headshot should look like

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