A professional retouching workflow is essential for transforming a RAW photo into a polished, final image that meets client expectations and artistic goals. Retouching is not just about fixing flaws—it’s about enhancing the story, mood, and impact of the image. To work efficiently and consistently, photographers and retouchers follow a structured process that balances technical precision with creative choices. This article breaks down the typical retouching workflow from RAW capture to the final output.
Step 1: Import and Organize RAW Files
The retouching process begins with the RAW files straight from the photo retouching service camera. RAW files contain uncompressed and unprocessed image data, providing the greatest flexibility for editing. The first step is to import these files into a digital asset management system or editing software like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, or Adobe Bridge.
Organization is key here. Properly naming, tagging, and rating images helps prioritize which photos to retouch and ensures efficient workflow management—especially for large shoots.
Step 2: Initial Adjustments and Basic Corrections
Once the RAW files are imported, retouchers perform basic adjustments to set the foundation for detailed edits:
Exposure and Contrast: Correct the overall brightness and tonal range.
White Balance: Adjust the color temperature and tint for accurate skin tones and natural colors.
Lens Corrections: Fix distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting caused by camera lenses.
Crop and Straighten: Refine the composition and horizon alignment.
This phase ensures the image looks balanced and ready for fine-tuning.
Step 3: Cleaning and Healing
With the image optimized globally, the next focus is cleaning up distractions:
Remove dust spots, blemishes, stray hairs, and skin imperfections using tools like the Spot Healing Brush or Clone Stamp in Photoshop.
Correct temporary skin issues such as pimples or redness, while preserving natural texture and permanent features like freckles.
Repair any minor background distractions or unwanted objects.