A series of headshots showing a person with blonde hair wearing a white button-up shirt against a light background.

 

Retouching Expectations

 

My Approach to Editing, Authenticity,

and Final Images

My Editing Process

Black and white fashion photo showing a person wearing a striped button-down shirt layered under an oversized black blazer.

 

My work is grounded in honesty, artistry, and helping you feel genuinely seen.

I photograph people as they are — with intention, respect, and care — and I want to be transparent about how I edit your images.

This guide outlines what I do (and do not) offer when it comes to retouching.


 

 

Your Proofing Gallery


After your session, you’ll receive a proofing gallery that includes my full artistic edit:

  • Colour grading
  • Exposure adjustments
  • Tonal and stylistic edits
  • Overall aesthetic


These images reflect my signature look and help you choose your favourites.


 

 

What’s Included in Standard Retouching


My standard retouching focuses on subtle, natural refinements that keep you looking like… you.

Included:

  • Light skin smoothing
  • Reducing temporary blemishes, marks or zits
  • Polishing small distractions (within reason)


These adjustments enhance the image without altering who you are.


 

What I Do Not Offer: Body-Altering Retouching


I do not offer any retouching that changes the structure, shape, or size of your body or face.


This includes:

Slimming or reshaping

Flattening tummies

Reducing double chins

Altering bone structure or facial features

Removing permanent features like skin tags or scars

Manipulating clothing, body lines, or contours

Heavy Photoshop work of any kind


Why?



Because I deeply believe your body deserves to be seen as it truly is — not digitally reconstructed.


My work is about:

  • Celebrating your presence
  • Honouring your story
  • Empowering you to feel confident as yourself
  • Creating images rooted in truth, not perfection


I don’t produce photos you have to “live up to.”

I create images that feel like you — strong, grounded, and real.


Athletic woman in brown workout set performs stretching exercises against neutral wall background.

The Philosophy Behind My Editing Style


I choose not to alter bodies because:


  • Authenticity builds trust between you and your audience
  • Over-editing disconnects you from your real self
  • It reinforces unrealistic beauty standards
  • It erases character and individuality
  • Your clients relate to humanity, not perfection


This approach is part of what makes branding images impactful — they are real, relatable, and rooted in integrity.


If You Have Concerns About Certain Features


Let me know during our planning call or at the session.

I will support you through:

Thoughtful posing

Angles that flatter

Intentional lighting

Wardrobe choices that make you feel confident


These tools create beautiful results in-camera, without altering your body afterwards.


My Promise to You


I will photograph you with intention.

I will edit your images with care.

And I will always honour your true, present, powerful self — without changing what makes you unique.

You deserve portraits that reflect your real story. That’s the work I stand behind.



Kindly,

Emilie


Person in casual light blue denim shirt poses thoughtfully against neutral wall with soft natural lighting.

Get in touch

Do you have any questions about my editing philosophy? Send me an email and let's chat!

*
*
*