Photo Retoucher Job Description Template - Complete 2025 Hiring Guide

What You'll Get From This Guide

  • Copy-ready job description templates for Fashion, E-commerce, and Advertising contexts
  • Industry-specific requirements covering Beauty, Product Photography, and Editorial retouching
  • Comprehensive salary benchmarks for major creative markets worldwide
  • 25+ interview questions with hands-on technical assessments and portfolio reviews
  • Portfolio evaluation framework with quality standards and test project guidelines
  • Software requirements and skill competency matrix for Adobe Creative Suite mastery
  • Real examples and best practices from leading brands, agencies, and photography studios

Photo Retoucher Role Overview

In 30 Seconds

  • What they do: Transform raw photographs into polished, publication-ready images through color correction, compositing, and detailed enhancement
  • Who they report to: Senior Retoucher, Art Director, Photography Director, or Studio Manager
  • Key impact: Ensure visual consistency, enhance brand image quality, and deliver production-ready assets
  • Work style: Detail-oriented focus with collaborative feedback implementation
  • Time to hire: 25-35 days average
  • Demand level: High (especially in e-commerce and fashion)

Why Photo Retouchers Matter in 2025

In an era where visual content drives commerce and communication, Photo Retouchers are the unsung heroes who perfect every pixel. They bridge the gap between photography and final output, ensuring images meet brand standards while maintaining authenticity. With the rise of AI-enhanced photography tools, skilled retouchers who understand when and how to apply technology while preserving natural aesthetics are more valuable than ever.

Modern Photo Retouchers must balance technical precision with artistic vision. They're not just fixing flaws—they're enhancing stories, maintaining brand consistency across thousands of images, and adapting to evolving standards of beauty and representation. In 2025, the best retouchers combine traditional skills with AI-assisted workflows, delivering higher quality at greater speed.

Quick Stats Dashboard

Metric Data
Average Time to Hire 25-35 days
Demand Level High (8/10)
Remote Availability 85% of positions
Career Growth 15% annual growth
Market Growth 12% YoY increase
Skill Gap Areas AI tool integration, 3D compositing
Average Team Size 3-8 retouchers
Freelance vs Full-time 60/40 split

Complete Job Description Templates

🏢 Choose Your Context

For E-commerce / High-Volume Studio

Photo Retoucher - E-commerce Production

About the Role
We're seeking a skilled Photo Retoucher to join our high-volume production team. You'll be responsible for retouching 50-100 product images daily while maintaining our exacting quality standards. This role requires speed, consistency, and meticulous attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Retouch product photography to e-commerce standards (color accuracy, cleanup, consistency)
  • Perform batch processing and action creation for workflow efficiency
  • Execute background removal and clipping paths with precision
  • Color match products across multiple angles and lighting conditions
  • Maintain consistency across product categories and seasonal campaigns
  • Create and update retouching guidelines for product types
  • Quality control images before publication
  • Collaborate with photographers to improve capture quality
  • Manage daily quotas while maintaining quality standards
  • Document and report technical issues or workflow improvements
  • Train junior retouchers on company standards

Requirements

  • 2-3 years of high-volume retouching experience
  • Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop (actions, batch processing, scripting)
  • Strong understanding of color theory and correction
  • Experience with Capture One or similar tethering software
  • Ability to retouch 50+ images daily with consistency
  • Knowledge of e-commerce photography standards
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Strong attention to detail and quality control
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Experience with product photography workflows

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with fashion/apparel retouching
  • Knowledge of DAM systems and workflow automation
  • Basic photography understanding
  • Experience with 360-degree product photography
  • Familiarity with AI-assisted retouching tools

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary: $45,000-$65,000
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Flexible remote work options
  • Professional development budget
  • Latest hardware and software
  • Quarterly team building events

For Fashion / Editorial Studio

Senior Photo Retoucher - Fashion & Beauty

About the Role
Join our award-winning retouching team working with top fashion brands and publications. You'll handle high-end beauty and fashion imagery, from subtle enhancement to complex compositing. This role demands artistic vision, technical excellence, and the ability to interpret creative direction.

Key Responsibilities

  • Execute high-end beauty and fashion retouching to luxury standards
  • Perform advanced skin retouching while maintaining texture and authenticity
  • Color grade images to match creative vision and brand guidelines
  • Create complex composites combining multiple images seamlessly
  • Collaborate with photographers and art directors on creative execution
  • Develop and maintain retouching style guides for brands
  • Handle sensitive retouching decisions around body image
  • Work on location for major shoots when required
  • Mentor junior retouchers and review their work
  • Stay current with industry trends and ethical standards
  • Present retouching options to creative teams

Requirements

  • 5+ years of fashion/beauty retouching experience
  • Exceptional portfolio demonstrating high-end work
  • Master-level Photoshop skills including advanced techniques
  • Understanding of fashion photography and lighting
  • Experience with beauty retouching and skin work
  • Knowledge of current beauty standards and diversity
  • Ability to match various photographic styles
  • Strong communication and interpretation skills
  • Experience working with luxury brands
  • Ability to handle constructive criticism professionally

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Capture One for RAW processing
  • Knowledge of fashion industry and trends
  • Understanding of print production requirements
  • Experience with celebrity retouching
  • Bilingual capabilities (especially French or Italian)

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary: $70,000-$95,000
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Opportunity to work with renowned photographers
  • Travel opportunities for major shoots
  • Creative environment with artistic freedom
  • Access to industry events and exhibitions

For Advertising Agency / Creative Studio

Digital Retoucher - Advertising & Compositing

About the Role
We need a creative retoucher who can bring impossible ideas to life. You'll work on advertising campaigns that require complex compositing, CGI integration, and creative problem-solving. This role is perfect for someone who loves technical challenges and pushing creative boundaries.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create complex advertising composites from multiple source images
  • Integrate CGI elements seamlessly with photography
  • Execute creative concepts from rough sketches to final artwork
  • Perform advanced color grading for mood and atmosphere
  • Work with 3D artists to match lighting and perspective
  • Retouch for multiple formats and aspect ratios
  • Collaborate with creative teams throughout the process
  • Present work-in-progress to clients and incorporate feedback
  • Manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
  • Maintain organized file structures and version control
  • Research and implement new techniques and tools

Requirements

  • 4-6 years of advertising retouching experience
  • Portfolio showing complex compositing work
  • Expert knowledge of Photoshop and compositing techniques
  • Understanding of perspective, lighting, and shadows
  • Experience with advertising production pipelines
  • Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
  • Strong problem-solving and creative thinking
  • Excellent communication skills for client interaction
  • Knowledge of CGI integration workflows
  • Understanding of various output requirements

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with 3D software (Cinema 4D, Blender)
  • Motion graphics or video editing skills
  • Understanding of AR/VR content requirements
  • Experience with automotive or product visualization
  • Knowledge of prepress and print production

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary: $65,000-$90,000
  • Profit sharing and bonuses
  • Hybrid work environment
  • State-of-the-art hardware and software
  • Creative workspace in city center
  • Opportunity to work on award-winning campaigns

Industry-Specific Variations

Technology / SaaS

Focus Areas:

  • Product photography and UI mockup integration
  • Screenshot enhancement and annotation
  • Lifestyle photography with device compositing
  • Color consistency across product lines
  • Batch processing for app store assets
  • Understanding of tech brand aesthetics
  • Experience with dark/light mode variations
  • Knowledge of responsive image requirements

Additional Requirements:

  • Familiarity with UI/UX principles
  • Experience creating device mockups
  • Understanding of web optimization
  • Knowledge of accessibility standards

Healthcare / Medical

Focus Areas:

  • Medical photography retouching with accuracy
  • HIPAA compliance and patient privacy
  • Scientific illustration enhancement
  • Before/after documentation standards
  • Color accuracy for medical conditions
  • Ethical considerations in medical imaging
  • Batch processing for case studies
  • Integration with medical imaging software

Additional Requirements:

  • Understanding of medical photography ethics
  • Experience with sensitive content
  • Knowledge of healthcare regulations
  • Attention to medical accuracy

Real Estate / Architecture

Focus Areas:

  • Interior and exterior photography enhancement
  • Sky replacement and weather correction
  • Virtual staging and furniture removal
  • HDR processing and blending
  • Perspective correction and lens distortion
  • Day-to-dusk conversions
  • Floor plan and elevation enhancement
  • Drone photography processing

Additional Requirements:

  • Understanding of architectural photography
  • Experience with HDR workflows
  • Knowledge of real estate marketing
  • Familiarity with virtual tour creation

Food & Beverage

Focus Areas:

  • Food styling enhancement and cleanup
  • Steam and splash effects
  • Color accuracy for appetite appeal
  • Packaging photography retouching
  • Menu and marketing material preparation
  • Consistency across product lines
  • Social media optimization
  • High-speed photography cleanup

Additional Requirements:

  • Understanding of food photography
  • Experience with beverage photography
  • Knowledge of packaging requirements
  • Familiarity with food styling techniques

Automotive

Focus Areas:

  • Vehicle photography enhancement
  • Reflection control and cleanup
  • Background replacement for multiple environments
  • Color accuracy across paint options
  • Interior detail enhancement
  • Motion blur and speed effects
  • CGI and photography integration
  • 360-degree spin photography

Additional Requirements:

  • Experience with automotive photography
  • Understanding of car paint and materials
  • Knowledge of CGI integration
  • Familiarity with automotive brand standards

Jewelry / Luxury Goods

Focus Areas:

  • Macro photography retouching
  • Metal and gemstone enhancement
  • Reflection and highlight control
  • Dust and scratch removal at high magnification
  • Color accuracy for precious metals
  • Multiple angle consistency
  • Shadow creation for e-commerce
  • Hallmark and engraving clarity

Additional Requirements:

  • Experience with macro photography
  • Understanding of luxury brand standards
  • Knowledge of jewelry photography
  • Attention to minute details

Education / Publishing

Focus Areas:

  • Textbook and educational material preparation
  • Infographic and diagram cleanup
  • Historical photo restoration
  • Color consistency across publications
  • Image licensing and copyright compliance
  • Accessibility requirements for educational content
  • Multi-format output preparation
  • Archive digitization and enhancement

Additional Requirements:

  • Understanding of educational standards
  • Experience with print production
  • Knowledge of accessibility requirements
  • Familiarity with publishing workflows

Entertainment / Media

Focus Areas:

  • Celebrity and talent retouching
  • Movie poster and key art creation
  • Editorial portrait enhancement
  • Event photography processing
  • Social media content optimization
  • Press kit material preparation
  • Red carpet photography turnaround
  • Multi-platform formatting

Additional Requirements:

  • Experience with celebrity retouching ethics
  • Understanding of entertainment industry standards
  • Knowledge of publicity requirements
  • Ability to work under extreme deadlines

Requirements Mapping

Experience Level Matrix

Entry Level (0-2 years)

Must-Have Requirements:

  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Basic understanding of color theory
  • Portfolio showing retouching examples
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to follow style guides
  • Basic knowledge of file formats
  • Understanding of resolution requirements
  • Willingness to learn and improve

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

  • Photography knowledge
  • Experience with Lightroom
  • Understanding of different photography styles
  • Basic knowledge of printing

Red Flags to Avoid:

  • Over-retouched portfolio work
  • Inability to match reference images
  • Poor time management
  • Lack of attention to detail

Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Must-Have Requirements:

  • Advanced Photoshop techniques
  • Experience with high-volume workflows
  • Color matching and grading skills
  • Understanding of various output requirements
  • Ability to work independently
  • Experience with specific industry standards
  • RAW processing knowledge
  • Client communication skills

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

  • Capture One proficiency
  • Basic compositing skills
  • Understanding of CGI integration
  • Experience training others

Red Flags to Avoid:

  • Inconsistent quality across portfolio
  • Inability to handle feedback
  • Limited technique range
  • Poor file organization

Senior Level (6-10 years)

Must-Have Requirements:

  • Expert-level retouching skills
  • Complex compositing abilities
  • Team leadership experience
  • Client presentation skills
  • Workflow optimization expertise
  • Style guide development
  • Quality control processes
  • Industry trend awareness

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

  • 3D software knowledge
  • Video editing capabilities
  • Business development skills
  • International brand experience

Red Flags to Avoid:

  • Outdated techniques
  • Resistance to new technology
  • Poor team collaboration
  • Inability to mentor others

Lead/Director Level (10+ years)

Must-Have Requirements:

  • Comprehensive retouching expertise
  • Team management experience
  • Budget and resource planning
  • Strategic vision for departments
  • Industry relationship network
  • New technology integration
  • Business development capabilities
  • Cross-functional leadership

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

  • Photography experience
  • International team management
  • Speaking and teaching experience
  • Published work or recognition

Red Flags to Avoid:

  • Lack of strategic thinking
  • Poor stakeholder management
  • Inability to adapt to market changes
  • Weak industry connections

Skills Competency Framework

Skill Category Entry Level Mid-Level Senior Lead/Director
Technical Skills
Photoshop Proficient Advanced Expert Master
Color Correction Basic Proficient Advanced Expert
Compositing Learning Basic Advanced Expert
Batch Processing Basic Proficient Advanced Expert
RAW Processing Basic Proficient Advanced Expert
Creative Skills
Aesthetic Judgment Developing Good Excellent Exceptional
Problem Solving Basic Good Excellent Strategic
Style Matching Learning Proficient Expert Trendsetting
Soft Skills
Communication Basic Good Excellent Leadership
Time Management Developing Good Excellent Strategic
Client Relations Learning Developing Proficient Expert

Salary Intelligence Dashboard

Research Methodology

Our salary data is compiled from multiple sources including industry surveys, recruitment data, and real job postings from 2024-2025. We analyze data from Glassdoor, Indeed, Salary.com, and specialized creative industry reports, adjusting for company size, location, and specific industry requirements.

National Salary Overview (USD)

Experience Level Low Range Median High Range Total Comp Range
Entry Level (0-2 years) $35,000 $42,000 $50,000 $35,000-$55,000
Mid-Level (3-5 years) $45,000 $58,000 $70,000 $50,000-$80,000
Senior (6-10 years) $65,000 $78,000 $95,000 $70,000-$110,000
Lead/Director (10+ years) $85,000 $105,000 $130,000 $95,000-$150,000

Geographic Variations - Top 20 Metro Areas

Metro Area Cost Index Entry Level Mid-Level Senior Lead
New York, NY 135% $47,000-$67,000 $61,000-$94,000 $88,000-$128,000 $115,000-$175,000
Los Angeles, CA 125% $44,000-$63,000 $56,000-$88,000 $81,000-$119,000 $106,000-$163,000
San Francisco, CA 140% $49,000-$70,000 $63,000-$98,000 $91,000-$133,000 $119,000-$182,000
Chicago, IL 110% $39,000-$55,000 $50,000-$77,000 $72,000-$105,000 $94,000-$143,000
Boston, MA 120% $42,000-$60,000 $54,000-$84,000 $78,000-$114,000 $102,000-$156,000
Seattle, WA 115% $40,000-$58,000 $52,000-$81,000 $75,000-$109,000 $98,000-$150,000
Atlanta, GA 95% $33,000-$48,000 $43,000-$67,000 $62,000-$90,000 $81,000-$124,000
Miami, FL 105% $37,000-$53,000 $47,000-$74,000 $68,000-$100,000 $89,000-$137,000
Dallas, TX 98% $34,000-$49,000 $44,000-$69,000 $64,000-$93,000 $83,000-$127,000
Denver, CO 108% $38,000-$54,000 $49,000-$76,000 $70,000-$103,000 $92,000-$140,000
Portland, OR 105% $37,000-$53,000 $47,000-$74,000 $68,000-$100,000 $89,000-$137,000
Austin, TX 102% $36,000-$51,000 $46,000-$71,000 $66,000-$97,000 $87,000-$133,000
Phoenix, AZ 92% $32,000-$46,000 $41,000-$64,000 $60,000-$87,000 $78,000-$120,000
Nashville, TN 90% $32,000-$45,000 $41,000-$63,000 $59,000-$86,000 $77,000-$117,000
Charlotte, NC 88% $31,000-$44,000 $40,000-$62,000 $57,000-$84,000 $75,000-$114,000
Minneapolis, MN 100% $35,000-$50,000 $45,000-$70,000 $65,000-$95,000 $85,000-$130,000
San Diego, CA 118% $41,000-$59,000 $53,000-$83,000 $77,000-$112,000 $100,000-$153,000
Philadelphia, PA 103% $36,000-$52,000 $46,000-$72,000 $67,000-$98,000 $88,000-$134,000
Detroit, MI 85% $30,000-$43,000 $38,000-$60,000 $55,000-$81,000 $72,000-$111,000
Tampa, FL 93% $33,000-$47,000 $42,000-$65,000 $60,000-$88,000 $79,000-$121,000

Total Compensation Calculator

Base Salary Components:

  • Base salary (see ranges above)
  • Annual bonus: 5-15% of base
  • Overtime pay (if applicable): Time and a half

Additional Compensation:

  • Health insurance: $5,000-$15,000 value
  • Retirement matching: 3-6% of salary
  • Equipment allowance: $1,000-$3,000 annually
  • Professional development: $500-$2,000 annually
  • Remote work stipend: $50-$200 monthly

Freelance Rates:

  • Junior: $25-$40/hour or $50-$100/image
  • Mid-level: $40-$65/hour or $75-$150/image
  • Senior: $65-$100/hour or $100-$300/image
  • Specialist: $100-$150/hour or $200-$500/image

Salary Negotiation Insights

Leverage Points:

  • Specialized skills (beauty, automotive, CGI)
  • Industry certifications or recognition
  • High-profile brand experience
  • Workflow optimization abilities
  • Leadership or mentoring experience
  • Multi-language capabilities
  • Emergency availability

Market Factors Affecting Salary:

  • Industry sector (fashion pays 20-30% more)
  • Company size (larger = higher pay)
  • Geographic location
  • Remote vs. on-site requirements
  • Freelance vs. full-time
  • Urgency of hire
  • Specific software expertise

Interview Question Bank

Core Competency Questions

Technical Skills Assessment:

  1. "Walk me through your workflow for retouching a beauty portrait from RAW to final delivery."

    • Evaluation: Look for systematic approach, understanding of skin work, color grading process
    • Red flags: Over-retouching, no RAW knowledge, poor workflow organization
  2. "How do you maintain consistency when retouching 100+ e-commerce images?"

    • Evaluation: Understanding of actions, batch processing, quality control methods
    • Red flags: No systematic approach, manual repetition, inconsistent standards
  3. "Describe your approach to color matching products across different lighting conditions."

    • Evaluation: Knowledge of color theory, reference use, technical solutions
    • Red flags: Guesswork approach, no color management understanding
  4. "How do you handle a complex composite with multiple light sources?"

    • Evaluation: Understanding of lighting, shadows, perspective, blending techniques
    • Red flags: No lighting comprehension, poor masking skills
  5. "What's your process for matching CGI elements with photography?"

    • Evaluation: Understanding of both mediums, color/lighting matching, integration techniques
    • Red flags: No CGI experience when required, poor understanding of perspective
  6. "How do you prepare files for different output requirements (web, print, billboard)?"

    • Evaluation: Knowledge of resolution, color spaces, file formats, optimization
    • Red flags: One-size-fits-all approach, no print knowledge
  7. "Explain your approach to retouching diverse skin tones."

    • Evaluation: Cultural sensitivity, technical knowledge, inclusive practices
    • Red flags: One-technique approach, lack of awareness about representation
  8. "How do you balance client requests with ethical retouching standards?"

    • Evaluation: Professional judgment, communication skills, ethical awareness
    • Red flags: No ethical considerations, inability to push back professionally

Behavioral Assessment Questions

  1. "Tell me about a time when you had to deliver a project under an extremely tight deadline."

    • STAR evaluation: Situation complexity, task organization, actions taken, results achieved
    • Red flags: Poor time management, quality compromise, no learning from experience
  2. "Describe a situation where a client was unhappy with your retouching."

    • STAR evaluation: Problem identification, communication approach, resolution, relationship outcome
    • Red flags: Defensive attitude, blame shifting, no client focus
  3. "Give an example of when you improved a workflow or process."

    • STAR evaluation: Initiative, problem-solving, implementation, measurable impact
    • Red flags: No process thinking, resistance to change
  4. "Tell me about collaborating with a difficult photographer or art director."

    • STAR evaluation: Interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, professional approach
    • Red flags: Unprofessional behavior, inability to collaborate
  5. "Describe a time when you had to learn a new technique quickly."

    • STAR evaluation: Learning agility, resource utilization, application success
    • Red flags: Resistance to learning, no self-development
  6. "Share an example of when you caught a critical error before delivery."

    • STAR evaluation: Attention to detail, quality control process, prevention measures
    • Red flags: No quality focus, blame others for errors
  7. "Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple urgent projects."

    • STAR evaluation: Prioritization, communication, organization, delivery
    • Red flags: Poor organization, no stakeholder communication

Culture Fit Assessment

  1. "What type of imagery do you most enjoy retouching and why?"

    • Evaluation: Passion alignment, artistic interests, long-term fit
    • Red flags: No enthusiasm, misaligned interests
  2. "How do you stay current with retouching trends and techniques?"

    • Evaluation: Self-development, industry awareness, continuous learning
    • Red flags: No professional development, outdated techniques
  3. "Describe your ideal creative environment."

    • Evaluation: Work style fit, collaboration preferences, environmental needs
    • Red flags: Mismatched expectations, inflexibility
  4. "How do you handle receiving feedback on your work?"

    • Evaluation: Professional maturity, growth mindset, communication
    • Red flags: Defensive responses, inability to accept criticism
  5. "What role does retouching play in the broader creative process?"

    • Evaluation: Industry understanding, collaborative mindset, strategic thinking
    • Red flags: Narrow view, no business understanding

Level-Specific Focus Questions

For Junior Positions: 21. "Show me your three best retouching examples and explain your process." - Evaluation: Basic skills, communication ability, potential

  1. "How would you approach learning our specific retouching style?"
    • Evaluation: Learning approach, adaptability, initiative

For Senior Positions: 23. "How would you establish quality standards for a new team?" - Evaluation: Leadership, process thinking, standards development

  1. "Describe your experience mentoring junior retouchers."
    • Evaluation: Teaching ability, patience, knowledge transfer

For Lead Positions: 25. "How would you build and scale a retouching department?" - Evaluation: Strategic thinking, resource planning, team building

  1. "What's your vision for integrating AI into retouching workflows?"
    • Evaluation: Innovation, industry foresight, change management

Practical Test Suggestions

Basic Skills Test (30 minutes):

  • Product cutout with shadow creation
  • Basic color correction and cleanup
  • Simple beauty retouch
  • File optimization for web

Advanced Skills Test (2 hours):

  • Complex composite from multiple images
  • High-end beauty retouching
  • Color grading to match reference
  • Multiple output preparation

Portfolio Review Guidelines:

  • Variety of retouching styles
  • Before/after comparisons
  • Technical challenge examples
  • Consistency across similar images
  • Appropriate retouching level

Illegal Questions to Avoid

Never Ask:

  • Age or date of birth
  • Marital or family status
  • Religious beliefs or practices
  • Political affiliations
  • Health conditions or disabilities
  • National origin or citizenship status
  • Gender identity or sexual orientation

Legal Alternatives:

  • "Are you able to work the required hours?"
  • "Can you perform the essential functions of this job?"
  • "Are you authorized to work in this country?"
  • "Can you relocate if required?"

Sourcing Strategy

Platform Performance Analysis

Platform Effectiveness Cost Time to Hire Quality Best For
LinkedIn High $$$ 20-30 days High Senior roles, passive candidates
Indeed Medium $$ 15-25 days Mixed Volume hiring, entry-level
Behance High Free 25-35 days High Portfolio quality, creatives
Instagram Medium Free 30-40 days High Emerging talent, specialists
ArtStation High Free 25-35 days High Digital artists, compositing
Glassdoor Medium $$ 20-30 days Medium Employer branding
AngelList Medium $ 15-25 days Medium Startup environment
Dribbble Medium $ 25-35 days High Designer-retouchers
The Dots Medium Free 20-30 days High UK/European talent
Creative Circle High $$$ 10-20 days High Freelance specialists

Specialized Talent Communities

Professional Associations:

  • Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
  • Digital Image Retouching Association
  • National Association of Photoshop Professionals
  • American Society of Media Photographers

Online Communities:

  • RetouchingAcademy.com forums
  • Reddit: r/retouching, r/postprocessing
  • Facebook: Professional Retouchers Group
  • Discord: Photoshop & Retouching Servers
  • Slack: Creative professionals communities

Educational Pipelines:

  • School of Visual Arts (NYC)
  • Fashion Institute of Technology
  • Brooks Institute
  • Art Center College of Design
  • Online: Phlearn, RetouchingAcademy
  • YouTube educators and their communities

Industry Events:

  • PhotoPlus Expo
  • Adobe MAX
  • Photo District News PhotoPlus
  • WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photography)
  • Fashion Week events (for fashion retouchers)

Real Company Examples

Nordstrom - E-commerce Retoucher
Why it works: Clear volume expectations, specific software requirements, growth path outlined
View posting

Netflix - Senior Digital Imaging Specialist
Why it works: Exciting projects mentioned, creative freedom emphasized, strong benefits
View posting

Condé Nast - Fashion Retoucher
Why it works: Prestigious brand appeal, diverse magazine portfolio, creative environment
View posting

Amazon - Product Photography Retoucher
Why it works: Clear metrics, advancement opportunities, comprehensive training program
View posting

Apple - Imaging Specialist
Why it works: Innovation focus, cutting-edge technology, strong company culture
View posting

Warner Bros - Entertainment Imaging
Why it works: Exciting content, variety of projects, industry connections
View posting

Analysis of Effective Job Postings:

  • Lead with exciting projects or brand prestige
  • Clearly state volume expectations or project types
  • Include growth opportunities and career paths
  • Mention specific software and versions
  • Highlight unique benefits or perks
  • Use visual elements in the posting
  • Include "day in the life" descriptions

FAQ Section

Photo Retoucher Job Description FAQs


Meta Description

Looking to hire a Photo Retoucher? Get copy-ready job descriptions, salary benchmarks for 20+ metros, 25+ interview questions, and proven sourcing strategies. Complete 2025 hiring guide with industry-specific templates and real examples from top brands.