differences, tools and areas of application
Image editing and image retouching
Image editing – basic optimization
Image editing includes basic adjustments that affect the entire image. The intention is to improve the technical and optical qualities of a photo without intervening in the image details. Typical image processing tasks are:
- Brightness and contrast: Adjustments to enhance the image effect and create a balanced ratio
- Color corrections: Optimization of the color balance to achieve natural or desired shades
- Sharpening: Improvement of image details to make them clearer
- Section and perspective: Adjustments of the image section or orientation to improve the focus
- Basic error corrections: Removal of color errors or sensor spots
Image editing is an indispensable step in photography and ensures that a photo looks technically perfect and visually harmonious.
Image retouching – fine tuning
Image retouching is much more than basic editing and focuses on details in order to optimize or change certain elements of the image. Examples of retouching are:
- Skin retouching: Removing impurities, shine or wrinkles to create a flawless portrait
- Object removal: Removing disruptive elements such as garbage, cables or shadows
- Background adjustments: Improvement or change of the background to emphasize the main motif better
- Composition: Adding or removing image components used for creative or advertising purposes
Retouching requires a high degree of precision and artistic sensitivity. It is mainly used in areas such as fashion photography, advertising photography or product photography, in which perfection is crucial.
When does what make sense?
- Image editing is often sufficient for general improvements and preparing images for publication.
- However, if a photo is to be aesthetically perfected or adapted for special requirements, professional retouching is necessary.
Time and costs
Image processing can often be carried out in just a few minutes per image, as it relies on standardized processes.
Image retouching, on the other hand, requires considerably more time, depending on the complexity of the changes. Complex retouching can take several hours or even days and is therefore more cost-intensive than image editing.