Q: Louise, what’s your headshot retouching style? A: It depends.

The biggest factor is whether or not the lighting is good from the get-go. If it is, then the appearance of editing is very minimal unless the client desires otherwise. That doesn’t mean I haven’t done any retouching. I have! But I try to make it LOOK like I haven’t done anything.

I didn’t know who would feel comfortable having me post their “before,” so a few paragraphs down is my own before-and-after - using GOOD LIGHTING - and explanation.

I’m self-conscious about my wrinkles. (Even though wrinkles are normal at the age of 65, that doesn't make me a fan of them!) Bad lighting makes wrinkles become shadows. The harsher the lighting, the darker the shadows/wrinkles. That’s great when the goal is to showcase facial texture. Doing so can intimate a life of hard work and wisdom, maybe even some hard knocks. But not great in this next photo!

I’m also self-conscious about pulling off a natural smile.

The next photo is an unedited headshot of me from a Dan McClanahan lighting workshop I attended last week. (If you aren’t familiar with Dan’s work, look him up. He is creatively brilliant.) One of the lighting setups Dan showed works particularly well for wrinkly faces.

That morning before the workshop, I hadn’t paid much attention to my hair, nor was I wearing makeup. But I was wearing a favorite t-shirt and favorite necklaces, and others in Dan’s studio made me feel relaxed. I volunteered to be photographed by another participant who used the lighting Dan had just demonstrated.

Now I know I’m no fashion model. But I’m really pleased with this image. (Keep reading to see the retouched version and also the side-by-side). First of all, the lighting used made it so most of my darn wrinkles were filled with light.

Secondly, I’m fine with my expression. (Thanks to the other participants for making me feel relaxed!)

Thirdly, I like the "coffee" t-shirt I was wearing and my pose. They fit my personality. I also like the bright, cheery background.

Lastly, and very importantly, I think my retouched version (immediately below) kept me like the “real me.” Yea!!!!!

I intentionally did not edit/smooth the bump of hair on the camera-right side of my head. My hair is brittle and when cut short, kind of sticks out. It's the way I am. Had I edited this for a client, I probably would have asked whether or not to smooth that or leave it. Also, next time I'd place my camera-right wrist a little differently. (It's hard to think of these things when I'm in front of, instead of behind the camera!) But that doesn't bother me enough to keep me from being so happy with this image and, out of my excitement, sharing it with you.

Can I create looks that are dramatic, etc.? Sure! I love doing so! And I can do more smoothing, if the client prefers. However, for headshots, usually my goal, unless the client wants otherwise, is to: a) have good lighting, and b) edit so the person looks on my monitor how I see that same person in life.

You never know when you might need a headshot. To avoid unnecessary scrambling, it’s helpful to have one at the ready. You know where I am. I’ll make it easy for you and I’ll keep you looking like you. : )

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Headshots: Keeping You (and Me) Looking Real

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