Rory Lewis: Portrait & Headshot Photographer

 Industry Standard Retouching vs Master Retouching

Understanding Professional Photo Retouching Levels

When commissioning professional portrait photography, retouching plays a critical role in the final image. However, not all retouching is the same. At Rory Lewis Photographer, we offer two distinct levels of post-production: Industry Standard Retouching and Master Retouching.

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right finish for your portrait—whether for corporate headshots, acting submissions, press use, or fine-art legacy imagery.

What Is Industry Standard Retouching?

Industry Standard Retouching is included with all portrait and headshot sessions and is designed for professional, commercial, and editorial use.

This level of retouching focuses on presenting you naturally and authentically, while ensuring the image meets modern professional standards.

Industry Standard Retouching Includes:

• Skin tone balancing and color correction

• Removal of temporary blemishes and distractions

• Light under-eye softening

• Contrast and exposure refinement

• Clean, consistent finishing suitable for digital and print use

The goal is a polished, realistic portrait that still looks like you—just at your best. This approach is ideal for:

• Professional headshots

• Corporate and executive portraits

• Actors’ casting submissions

• LinkedIn, press, and agency profiles

• Website and marketing use

Industry Standard Retouching ensures your images are clean, credible, and ready for real-world professional application.

What Is Master Retouching?

Master Retouching is a premium, fine-art level service reserved for select images. This process goes far beyond standard photo editing and is completed entirely by hand, with no automated filters.

Each image is treated as a finished artwork, not simply a retouched photograph.

Master Retouching Includes:

• Advanced hand-crafted skin work preserving natural texture

• Precision sculpting of light and shadow to enhance facial structure

• Painterly tonal depth inspired by classical portraiture

• Micro-adjustments to contrast, highlights, and dimensionality

• Individual attention to every detail within the frame

This level of retouching is highly time-intensive and may take several hours per image. The intention is to create a timeless, museum-quality portrait rather than a trend-driven image.

Master Retouching is ideal for:

• Signature or hero portraits

• Fine-art prints and exhibitions

• High-profile executives, public figures, and artists

• Legacy imagery designed to endure beyond current aesthetics

| Feature | Industry Standard Retouching | Master Retouching |

| --------------------- | ---------------------------- | -------------------- |

| Included with session | Yes | Optional upgrade |

| Editing style | Clean & natural | Fine-art, sculptural |

| Time per image | Moderate | Several hours |

| Automation | Minimal | None (fully manual) |

| Intended use | Professional & commercial | Fine-art & legacy |

Which Retouching Option Is Right for You?

If you need professional headshots or portraits for casting, corporate use, or online platforms, Industry Standard Retouching is more than sufficient.

If you want a defining portrait—an image with depth, presence, and long-term artistic value—Master Retouching offers a level of craftsmanship rarely found in contemporary portrait photography.

Both approaches respect realism and integrity. The difference lies in intent, refinement, and longevity.

Professional Portrait Retouching in Los Angeles, New York & London

Rory Lewis Photographer offers professional portrait photography and fine-art retouching services in Los Angeles, New York, and London, working with actors, executives, creatives, and public figures worldwide.

For questions about retouching options or to upgrade an image to Master Retouching, please get in touch.