High-end Photo Retouching Vs Basic Photo Retouching
Photographs play a central role in everything from social media to professional advertising. However, image retouching enters the picture when it comes to taking your photos to the next level.
As the name suggests, image retouching is a process of fixing imperfections and enhancing model and product presentation. It is used in fashion, advertising, and promotional branding.
High-end retouching elevates images to a level of professionalism to achieve the desired look. Basic retouching, on the other hand, is making simple changes to an image.
In this article, we aim to explore the difference between Basic photo retouching and high-end photo retouching service. And since we are covering everything you need to know, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
What Does Basic Photo Retouching Mean?
Basic photo retouching is the process of editing an image to improve its quality by removing minor debris like pimple marks, wound or patch marks, stray hair on the face, dusk specks, and scratches, and removing tags from products.
Basic retouching works for portraits, fashion, product, model & skin retouching. The goal is to enhance the photo without changing the subject’s appearance.
What is High-End Photo Retouching?
High-end photo retouching is extensive Photoshop work done professionally to get the desired look. It is often used for editorial magazines, luxurious cosmetics, eCommerce products, brand models, fashion, and beauty photography.
High-end retouching modifies images on a much deeper level. This includes retouching garments and accessories, shape and crease reduction, background cleanup, noise reduction, color correction, and glare removal.
Difference Between Basic Retouching Vs High-End Photo Retouching
High-end photo retouching goes much deeper, involving detailed work like advanced skin smoothing, reshaping the body, modifying backgrounds, and precise color adjustments.
In contrast, basic retouching is simpler. It focuses on tasks like fixing blemishes, adjusting exposure, cropping, and making minor color tweaks.
Essentially, high end retouching involves transforming an image with complex techniques, while basic retouching fixes noticeable flaws in a more straightforward, less detailed way.
Key Differences
Level Of Manipulation
High end retouching involves significant changes to an image, such as modifying features and enhancing the overall appearance. Basic retouching, on the other hand, focuses on small adjustments to improve the image without major changes.
Expertise Required
High-end photo retouching requires a highly skilled editor to create subtle, natural-looking results, while basic retouching can be done by less experienced editors using simpler methods.
Typical Edits
High-end retouching includes advanced techniques like refining skin texture, removing wrinkles, contouring the body, replacing backgrounds, correcting perspective, and doing detailed color grading. Basic retouching typically involves tasks like fixing blemishes, adjusting exposure, cropping, straightening, removing red-eye, and making basic color fixes.
Cost
Due to the complexity and expertise needed, high end retouching is more expensive, while basic retouching is usually more affordable.
Basic photo retouching costs $1 to $2 per photo because it requires minimal edits, no high-end tools, and is less time-consuming. High-end photo retouching can cost $2 to $6 or even more per photo because of the time and expertise involved.
Turnaround Time
Basic retouching usually takes 3 to 4 minutes per image. On the contrary, the turnaround time for high-end photo retouching can be 15 to 20 minutes per image and can also go up to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the photo.
Tools
Adobe Photoshop is the most widely used professional photo retouching software. Other options are Lightroom, Fotor, GIMP, Pixlr, Luminar Neo and many others.
Basic retouching uses a spot healing brush, patch tool, blur and sharpen tool, healing brush tool, and stamp tool.
Meanwhile, high-end tools use advanced tools like dodge and burn, color grading, content-aware, red eye, stamp, and liquefy tools.
Examples
High end retouching is ideal for professional projects like a model’s portrait for a fashion magazine, where flawless skin, perfect proportions, and precise lighting are essential.
Basic retouching is suited for more casual images, like a personal website headshot. It involves removing minor blemishes and slightly adjusting the lighting.
How to Choose Between Basic & High-End Photo Retouching?
When it comes to deciding between basic and high-end photo retouching, it can be tricky. Here’s a breakdown to help you pick which is right for you.
Consider Your Needs
Basic Retouching is ideal for everyday photos, portraits, products, and social media content. Here, the only focus is minor corrections for a natural look. It includes services like:
- Removing dust spots or marks
- Balancing brightness
- Sharpening the product for clarity
- Removing stray hair on the face
High-end photo retouching is for transformative results. It is perfect for high-fashion campaigns, eComm product shoots for advertising, and magazine/editorial covers with a desired professional outcome. It includes services like:
- Skin smoothing
- Color correction & color grading
- Reshaping & liquifying products
- Manipulating damaged products
- Removing eye glare reflection
Budget And Time
Basic retouching is the best fit if you’re looking for quick turnaround time and limited changes. However, high-end photo retouching takes longer if the desired change exceeds basic corrections.
Basic retouching takes less time and expertise, making it affordable for day-to-day retouching work. However, due to the level of expertise, experience, and time involved, high-end photo retouching is comparatively more expensive.
3 Questions You Need To Ask
- Do you need simple changes for the day-to-day photos? Basic retouching is the way to go.
- Does your photo require extensive corrections and manipulations? High-end photo retouching will be a better fit.
- What is the use case of the image? For natural presentation, Basic retouching. For editorial presentation, High-end photo retouching.
By understanding your goals & requirements, you can choose between basic and high-end photo retouching services.
How To Choose the Best Photo Retouching Service?
Selecting the ideal picture retouching service requires careful consideration.
Trial Run
Many reputable services offer a free trial or sample retouch. It allows you to assess their skills and compatibility before committing to a full project.
Additionally, it helps you gain a trustworthy retouching partner and maintain a long-lasting relationship.
Clear Communication
Choose a provider with transparent communication channels who promptly responds to your inquiries. Discuss revision policies and turnaround time expectations.
Retouching might require a few feedback loops to understand your preferences. A clear communication channel will ensure the work is done smoothly according to your instructions.
Pricing Structure
Compare pricing models (per image) and ensure it aligns with your budget. Be wary of meager rates, as quality retouching takes time and skill.
Turnaround Time
Consider how quickly you need the retouched images. Different services offer varying turnaround times based on workload and complexity.
PixelPhant offers day-to-day photo retouching service with a turnaround time of 15 hours. However, one can also opt for 2-hour delivery services in rush orders. Having these systems in place ensures that you never miss your deadlines.
Customer Reviews
Read online reviews to gauge client satisfaction with the service’s quality, communication, and reliability.
Final Words
Considering the above points, PixelPhant is a professional photo editing company that offers a free trial. It is the one-stop solution for eCommerce and commercial studios looking for the best photo retouching service.
The best way to proceed would be to take trials and choose the service that delivers the best output according to your preferences. Sign up without a credit card to get started with the PixelPhant trial.
