Sending photos for professional retouching can elevate your images to a new level of quality, but the process works best when clients understand what’s involved upfront. Clear communication and proper preparation ensure the retoucher can deliver results that meet your expectations efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re an individual looking to enhance portraits or a business preparing product images, here are important things every client should know before sending photos for retouching.
1. Choose the Right Photos to Send
Not all photos are suitable for retouching. Selecting the best images photo retouching service to submit helps maximize the quality of the final results. Look for photos that are:
High resolution: Larger files retain more detail and allow for better editing. Images should ideally be in RAW or the highest quality JPEG format available.
Well composed: Photos with clear focus, good lighting, and proper framing provide a better foundation for retouching.
Relevant: Send only the photos you want retouched, not entire shoots or thousands of images. This saves time and cost.
If unsure, ask the retoucher for guidance on which photos are suitable.
2. Understand What Retouching Can and Cannot Do
Retouching can fix many imperfections, but it has limits. Clients should have realistic expectations about what can be achieved. Common retouching services include:
Skin smoothing and blemish removal
Color correction and exposure adjustments
Background cleanup or replacement
Object removal (e.g., stray hairs or distracting items)
Enhancing details such as eyes, teeth, or product features
However, retouching cannot completely fix badly out-of-focus images, severely underexposed photos, or low-resolution files. Communicate openly with the retoucher about your goals and concerns.
3. Provide Clear Instructions and References
To ensure your vision is understood, give detailed instructions when sending photos. Specify exactly what you want retouched and how—for example:
Do you want natural-looking skin or a more stylized smooth effect?
Should colors be vibrant or muted?
Is background removal needed?
Are there specific objects to remove or keep?
Providing reference images or examples of retouching styles you like can be very helpful. The more precise your instructions, the better the retoucher can tailor the edits.
4. File Format and Delivery Preferences
Ask your retoucher what file formats they prefer for receiving and delivering images. Most professionals accept high-quality JPEGs or TIFFs for editing. RAW files provide maximum flexibility but may not be necessary unless you require extensive color grading.
Also, clarify how you will receive the finished images—via email, cloud storage links, or download portals—and in what format and resolution. This prevents confusion and ensures compatibility with your intended use.