Young people, particularly teenagers, often want to look older, while as adults, many wish to appear younger.
This paradox of age and appearance has been explored in literature, notably by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1922 with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. In this tale, a man ages in reverse, born looking like an old man, he becomes progressively younger until his death as an infant. A 2008 film starring Brad Pitt loosely adapted this story.
Time, however, only flows in one direction. Any attempts to reclaim youth are fleeting and superficial.
Retouching as the fountain of youth?
Good retouching can soften wrinkles, reduce dark circles under the eyes, and enhance your appearance while still allowing you to look your age. It’s possible to look good without striving to look younger.
When I first began digital retouching, I meticulously edited every line and wrinkle in a portrait, believing that making clients look younger was a sign of my retouching abilities. However, a publicist once told me that, although her client, a woman in her mid-50s, wanted to look 20 years younger with flawless skin and perfect features, which I delivered, my retouching was excessive.
Similarly, I once retouched a business headshot for a luxury car sales manager in his 50s. I was proud of the retouching results until he said that looking too youthful might alienate his older clientele. He believed that potential customers might question his experience if he appeared too young to sell high-end vehicles.
This illustrates a critical point: looking a lot younger than your actual age can affect perceptions of competence. If you appear too youthful, others may doubt your knowledge and decision-making abilities.
Youth isn’t an achievement; experience is. We tend to associate wisdom with age.
Since those early days, I’ve changed my retouching approach to ensure that faces look realistic and relatable. A 50-year-old can look their best while still looking 50-ish.
Look good not young
I’ve learned that when someone asks to look 20 years younger in their portrait, they really mean they want to present their best self. This can be achieved through skilled photography and some thoughtful retouching.
Portrait retouching should not aim to rewind the clock; after all, you’re not Benjamin Button. Retouching isn’t about looking young, it’s about looking good.
Many people view photo retouching as a vain effort to appear younger, but there are sound business reasons for presenting yourself well. A polished business portrait fosters trust and attracts clients:
Clear skin and bright eyes convey health.
A well-groomed appearance signals competence.
Healthy + competent => more attractive.
Attractive => approachable => friendly.
Friendly => trustworthy.
Good retouching enhances your portrait but should not make you look younger. It should simply help you look your best.
