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What does a Retoucher do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A retoucher is a person who edits photographs, often using Photoshop, to improve the appearance of the subject. Retouchers may remove blemishes, wrinkles, and other imperfections from photos, as well as add color, contrast, and other effects.

Retoucher job duties include:

  • Reviewing and editing images for color, contrast, and other factors
  • Cropping and resizing images
  • Adjusting levels, curves, and other image properties
  • Enhancing images with filters and other effects
  • Removing blemishes, unwanted objects, or imperfections from images
  • Adding text, logos, or other graphics to images
  • Saving edited images in the appropriate file format
  • Uploading edited images to a website or other online service
  • Printing edited images

Retoucher Job Requirements

A retoucher may need a high school diploma or equivalent, although on-the-job training is often provided. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a postsecondary program in graphic design, photography, or a related field. Certification is not required, but completing a professional development program may give jobseekers an advantage in the hiring process. Retouchers typically have one or more years of experience working with Photoshop or a similar software program.

Retoucher Skills

  • Photo editing
  • Color correction
  • Photo retouching
  • Airbrushing
  • Photoshop
  • Lightroom
  • Camera Raw
  • Masking
  • Clipping paths
  • Image manipulation
  • Layering

Related: Top Retoucher Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Retoucher

There are many ways to become a retoucher, but the most common path is to start out as a graphic designer or photographer. Many retouchers are self-taught, but there are also several schools that offer courses in photo retouching. The best way to learn the trade is to find a mentor who can teach you the ropes and help you get started on your career.

As a retoucher, you will be responsible for editing photos to make them look their best. This can involve anything from removing blemishes and imperfections to adding special effects and filters. You will need to have an eye for detail and be able to use photo editing software such as Photoshop or Lightroom.

If you want to become a professional retoucher, it is important to build up a strong portfolio of work. You can do this by working on personal projects or offering your services to friends and family. Once you have built up a good portfolio, you can start approaching businesses and clients directly.

There is no one set path to becoming a retoucher, but if you have a passion for photography and editing, then this could be the perfect career for you!

Related: Retoucher Resume Example

Related: Retoucher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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