Deciding whether or not to retouch your portrait depends on the purpose of the image and your personal preferences. Here are a few things to consider:
Purpose of the Portrait
If your portrait is going to be used for professional use (e.g., on a business website or a LinkedIn profile) then a polished image is essential to help convey professionalism. Some level of retouching is a common practice such as skin smoothing, removing blemishes, and brightening the eyes. Just to be clear, “skin smoothing” is not a glamour glow or a soft-focus effect. Skin smoothing evens colour and luminance tones.
For personal-use portraits, you most likely don’t need retouching. The exception is if you want to add a creative effect, a dramatic look, or a style that you like.
Your Comfort Level
Do you feel confident about your appearance in the photo as it is? If the image feels flattering to you without needing further editing, retouching may not be necessary.
But if there are specific aspects of the photo (like blemishes, stray hairs, or wrinkles) that make you uncomfortable or self-conscious, retouching can help address those concerns. But you still want to look like yourself. Remember that no one sees you as critically as you do. What you might think is a glaring flaw may not even be noticed by others. Retouching with a light touch is usually the best option.
Natural Look vs. Overdone
A natural retouch should enhance your features, not transform them. Subtle adjustments like brightening skin tones, smoothing out minor imperfections, or improving lighting are common. Overdone retouching, like altering face shape or removing all wrinkles, can make the portrait look less authentic.
Technical Flaws
Sometimes retouching isn’t about your appearance but about the technical aspects of the photo, such as exposure, colour, background distractions, or unwanted shadows. If the lighting isn’t flattering or there’s something in the background that detracts from your face, retouching can help clean up the photo.
Social Context
Consider the social context as well. In some professions and creative fields, some retouching is almost expected. But if, for example, your portrait is for your own wellness practice or your personal brand, you may not want retouching and instead choose to rely on high-quality photography.
Feedback from Others
If you’re unsure, get feedback from trusted friends or colleagues. Sometimes an outsider’s perspective can help you decide whether a slight retouch is needed, or if the photo already captures the right look.
Ultimately the decision comes down to how the photo is going to be used and how you feel about the image. Retouching can enhance a portrait and influence the perception of people who view the photo. But this isn’t always needed, especially for personal-use photos.