Portrait Retouching Artist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of digital photography, the role of a portrait retouching artist has never been more prominent.

As visual aesthetics continue to evolve, there is a growing demand for skilled artisans who can enhance, refine and preserve our photographic memories.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a portrait retouching artist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager identifying the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of portrait retouching,

You’ve arrived at the right place.

Today, we present a customizable portrait retouching artist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Portrait Retouching Artist Duties and Responsibilities

Portrait Retouching Artists use a combination of artistic skills and technical expertise to enhance and perfect photographic images, usually focusing on human subjects.

They work closely with photographers and clients to ensure the final result meets expectations.

The main duties and responsibilities of a Portrait Retouching Artist include:

• Consult with clients or photographers to understand their vision and requirements
• Use digital software and tools to enhance and retouch photographs
• Adjust color balance, levels and contrast to achieve desired effect
• Eliminate imperfections and unwanted elements from photographs, such as blemishes or background distractions
• Enhance specific features of a portrait based on client or photographer requests
• Ensure that retouched images maintain a natural and realistic look
• Manage and organize digital files and archives
• Collaborate with photographers during photoshoots to achieve the best possible results
• Keep up-to-date with the latest retouching techniques and software

 

Portrait Retouching Artist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a meticulous and artistic portrait retouching artist to enhance photographs and portray subjects in the best possible light.

The Portrait Retouching Artist’s responsibilities include removing blemishes, improving skin texture, whitening teeth, and enhancing the photograph’s overall presentation.

You should have a keen eye for detail and be able to bring out the subject’s natural beauty without making the image look overly processed or artificial.

Ultimately, you will deliver high-quality, retouched images that meet client satisfaction and uphold our company’s standard for visual excellence.

 

Responsibilities

• Work closely with photographers to understand their vision for the photograph
• Review, organize, and select the best images from photoshoots
• Retouch, resize and enhance images as needed using Photoshop or other photography software
• Remove blemishes, correct skin texture, whiten teeth, and perform color correction
• Ensure all images are processed in line with the company’s aesthetic and quality standards
• Manage and organize large volumes of images
• Meet strict deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality
• Work with clients to ensure satisfaction with final product
• Stay up-to-date with new image editing technologies

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Portrait Retouching Artist or similar role
• Proficiency in Photoshop and other photography software
• Strong photo editing skills and excellent attention to detail
• Artistic skills and a good eye for aesthetics and details
• Ability to work under tight deadlines
• Excellent communication skills
• High degree of creativity, latitude and high attention to detail
• Professional degree or diploma in photography, visual arts, digital media or related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Portrait Retouching Artist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for photoshoots or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Photographer or Art Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a portfolio of your work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Portrait Retouching Artist Do?

Portrait Retouching Artists are specialized professionals in the photography industry who primarily work on improving and enhancing portrait photographs.

They use various digital tools and software, such as Adobe Photoshop, to manipulate images and make them more visually appealing.

This can include tasks like removing blemishes, altering lighting and color, smoothing skin, enhancing facial features, and sometimes even changing the photo’s background.

Their main job is to ensure that the final portrait captures the subject in the most flattering and authentic manner possible.

They take into consideration aspects like the subject’s skin tone, hair color, and overall look before making enhancements.

Portrait Retouching Artists often work closely with photographers, understanding their vision and requirements to ensure that the retouched images align with the intended aesthetic.

They might also interact with clients directly, taking their preferences into account.

Some Portrait Retouching Artists are also responsible for preparing images for print or digital display, ensuring that the images are of the highest quality and meet the specific requirements of the platform they will be displayed on.

They may also be tasked with organizing and maintaining a digital library of images.

Whether working on individual, family, or professional portraits, the Portrait Retouching Artist plays a crucial role in helping to make subjects feel confident and satisfied with their final images.

 

Portrait Retouching Artist Qualifications and Skills

Portrait Retouching Artists use a combination of technical skills, artistic abilities, and industry knowledge to modify and improve images, including:

• Expertise in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to perform a variety of image alterations and enhancements
• Artistic flair and creativity to enhance the overall look and feel of the portrait, while still maintaining the authenticity and personality of the subject
• Strong attention to detail to identify and correct imperfections, adjust color balance, and improve image quality
• Understanding of visual elements such as composition, color theory, and lighting to create a balanced and appealing portrait
• Excellent communication skills to understand client requirements, provide updates on progress, and receive feedback
• Time management skills to complete projects on schedule while maintaining high standards of work
• Problem-solving skills to handle challenges in the retouching process and find effective solutions
• Continual learning and development to stay updated with the latest tools, techniques, and trends in the field of image retouching

 

Portrait Retouching Artist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Portrait Retouching Artists typically have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through an internship or part-time role in a photo lab, photography studio, or graphic design firm.

These individuals may also gain experience through personal projects, freelance work, or by assisting more experienced artists.

They would have gained solid experience in using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or other digital editing tools, and have developed an eye for detail.

They may also possess skills in color correction, image manipulation and restoration, skin retouching, and other digital enhancements.

Intermediate Portrait Retouching Artists often have around 3 to 4 years of experience.

They would have honed their technical skills and aesthetic judgement in their prior roles, and may have specialized in certain types of retouching, such as beauty, fashion or commercial retouching.

These professionals might also have experience working with high-volume workflows and meeting tight deadlines.

Those with over 5 years of experience are typically senior artists, and may have developed expertise in advanced retouching techniques.

They could also have experience managing projects, coordinating with photographers and art directors, training junior artists, and ensuring quality control.

These artists often have a strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to retouch images to a high standard while maintaining a natural look.

 

Portrait Retouching Artist Education and Training Requirements

Portrait Retouching Artists typically have a degree or certification in photography, visual arts, graphic design, or a related field.

They are required to have a strong background in digital image manipulation and should be familiar with software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, or similar image editing tools.

Many professionals in this field also have experience with digital drawing or painting, enhancing their retouching abilities.

In addition to their technical skills, Portrait Retouching Artists should have a keen eye for detail and an understanding of aesthetics, as they often need to enhance the subject’s appearance while maintaining a natural look.

Some positions may require artists to have extensive experience in a specialized area of retouching, such as fashion or advertising photography.

In these cases, additional training or certifications in these specific areas can be beneficial.

While a degree is often required, some employers may consider candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent if they have an impressive portfolio demonstrating their retouching skills.

Continuing education is also important in this field, as new technologies and techniques for digital image editing are constantly emerging.

Many artists choose to attend workshops, seminars, or online courses to keep their skills up to date.

 

Portrait Retouching Artist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Portrait Retouching Artist is approximately $43,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the location in which they work, and the specific company that employs them.

 

Portrait Retouching Artist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Portrait Retouching Artist need?

Portrait Retouching Artists need to have a keen eye for detail, excellent knowledge of color theory, and strong computer skills, especially in image editing software like Adobe Photoshop.

They should also possess creativity, patience, good hand-eye coordination, and understanding of lighting and shading.

Communication skills are essential to understand the client’s expectations and deliver accordingly.

 

Do Portrait Retouching Artists need a degree?

While a formal degree is not strictly necessary for Portrait Retouching Artists, having a bachelor’s degree in Photography, Fine Arts, Graphic Design or a related field can be beneficial.

More important than a degree, however, is a solid portfolio demonstrating their retouching skills and artistic sensibility.

 

What should you look for in a Portrait Retouching Artist’s resume?

In a Portrait Retouching Artist’s resume, you should look for a combination of formal education in a related field and practical experience in photo retouching.

Proficiency in software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom is essential.

In addition to these, look for a strong portfolio that showcases their range of retouching skills across different styles and subjects.

 

What qualities make a good Portrait Retouching Artist?

A good Portrait Retouching Artist has an excellent eye for detail, a deep understanding of colors, and the ability to work meticulously to achieve perfection.

They should be patient, as retouching can be a time-consuming process, and should have good communication skills to understand and meet the client’s expectations.

A passion for photography and a creative flair are also desirable qualities.

 

Is it challenging to hire Portrait Retouching Artists?

Hiring Portrait Retouching Artists can be challenging as it requires finding individuals with a specific set of skills, including a keen eye for detail, excellent image editing skills, and a profound understanding of lighting, colors, and textures.

Furthermore, they should have a strong portfolio demonstrating their retouching skills.

Therefore, the hiring process may take time to find the right candidate.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricacies behind the role of a portrait retouching artist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about touching up photos.

It’s about sculpting photographic masterpieces, one pixel at a time.

With our handy portrait retouching artist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But don’t stop here!

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your vital tool for creating laser-focused listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every pixel adjusted contributes to the overall image.

Let’s create that masterpiece. Together.