What is the difference between photo editing and retouching?

Many of us use the two terms ‘editing’ and ‘retouching’ interchangeably; their meaning can vary from one photographer to another. Hence clients often have mixed expectations when it comes to photography post-production. Today I will explain to you the difference between editing and retouching in my photography services.

Difference between editing and retouching

Before we begin, here’s the first term for you: RAW – an unedited photo (as it is straight out of the camera). When no post production work has been done on an image, it’s raw. In photography, RAW refers to a file type. Every photographer edits their images to one extent – they just call it differently. Let’s look at 2 general types of photography post-production!

Photo editing

Photo editing typically means basic image correction. It usually includes cropping, straightening of the horizon, tweaking the brightness of an image, its white balance, temperature and contrast, and any manipulation with colours (including colour correction and toning for more artistic style).

Depending on desired effect, photo editing of one image usually takes a few minutes. Though it quickly adds up when editing hundreds of photos.

Photo retouching

Retouching is a more in-depth image processing that involves actual manipulation to change the way a photo looks. It usually includes skin retouching (‘air brushing’ if you will) and removing any distractions in an image (anything from people in the background, to stray hairs, wrinkles on clothes, etc).

If we talk specifically about skin retouch in photos, it includes removing blemishes, balancing complexion and overall skin tone, softening unflattering shadows, whilst preserving the ‘natural look’.

Photo retouching can take anywhere from 15min to up to an hour or work on a single image.

All of my portrait packages include a selection of fully edited and retouched images which encompasses both photography post-production techniques getting your images as close as possible to perfection – clean from any blemishes and distraction, they will preserve a natural look.

Event, lifestyle, product (or any high volume photography project) images will be delivered edited in consistent visual style (colour, temperature, brightness). Additional fees apply if photo retouching is requested.

Check Pricing Structure Update blog post to learn about my pricing for photo editing and retouching.

I hope this week’s post was useful. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions about my photo editing and retouching process.