In this era of photo filter, you possibly well-acquainted with these two terms –“editing” and “retouching." Most people are still confused about photo editing and retouching; hence they use them interchangeably.

Even some photographers use them in the same sense. In reality, there is a difference between editing and retouching. Many photographers are seen using both terms without clarifying the context behind using them.

Since you're unaware of it, you can't tell what they're up to. There are many clipping path service providers who experts in photo editing and retouching. Unfortunately, most are ignorant.

Hence, it is essential to know the difference between editing and retouching. So you can avoid confusion and understand what questions to ask while taking the service.
Let’s know what editing and retouching actually mean.

What is Editing?
In simple words, editing means changing an image by applying basic photo manipulation techniques. It means altering different photo elements, like color temperature, lighting/exposure, contrast, and white balance of an image. Also, editing includes light adjustments such as cropping, straightening, etc.

Edited photos may also include the photographer's signature. However, editing a single image can take a few seconds or, at max, a few minutes. It depends on the effect you are using. All these minor changes turn a usual photo into a clean base photo.

Culling
Culling the photos is also a part of photo editing. Culling an image is a process of separating some specific image from a group of photos. To cull the images, the photographer needs to go through all the pictures. Then, they decide which one to keep and which one not to.

Photos that are not picked are those in which someone has their eye closed, someone stepped in, etc. Culling helps the photographer to minimize the list of photos that needs to edit. Thus, they save time by not editing the images that are not ready to deliver.

What is Retouching?
Retouching is a process of adding some effects or polishing the photo for the final presentation. It creates an artistic style that goes beyond the basic image adjustments. Unlike editing, retouching requires changing a picture or additional transforming using different techniques and skills.

Examples of Retouching in Pictures

• Skin smoothening
• Making skin free of wrinkles and blemish
• Removing scar/pimple
• Removing braces
• Removing bra strap
• Any stain from the dress

Retouching is categorized in the following ways based on its importance and uses.

Basic Retouching
Basic retouching is done when basic editing doesn’t work to make a picture look great. It includes basic things such as – brightening teeth, removing distractions, sharpening, adding primary effects, etc.

The process adds the artistic style of a photographer. However, the retouched photo is basically a high-resolution version. Retouching an image may take 15 minutes or above.

Extensive Retouching
Extensive retouching means making a massive change in an image. The process is likely to take around 30 minutes to complete. It requires advanced techniques to perform extensive retouching. Extensive retouching does the following things:

• Changing background
• Removing people
• Changing sky
• Adding fancy effects
• Applying digital makeup
• Compositing photos together

The photographer takes additional fees to do so. It is rarely done. The photographer must mostly do extensive retouching in newborn photo sessions, wedding photography, product photography, etc.

Editing vs. Retouching – the differences
The main goal of using editing and retouching is to make an image perfect. Still, there is a massive difference in the concept. You cannot keep them both in the same queue.

Editing is used to make an image sharpened, cropped with the right size, and adjust with the right exposure. Anyone with basic editing knowledge can perform photo editing. Also, this can be achieved with basic editing software, even on mobile.

Retouching, on the other hand, is used to bring an artistic style to the picture. It brings out the creative version of an editor or photographer. Retouching requires a high level of photo manipulation techniques, while editing needs simple manipulation.

Which One to Choose?
Expert photographers perform all types of services depending on their client’s needs – as Clipping Pixel does. If you need a slightly updated version of the original photo, you must go with photo editing. Follow the techniques below if you are a photographer;

• Noise reduction
• Contrast and exposure
• White balance
• Color adjustments
• Cropping and resizing

Instead, if you need advanced modifications in the picture, go with retouching.

Conclusion
Advanced photo manipulation can make a photo look professional. Conversely, some images need minor tweaking to make them look perfect. So there is a need to be specific with the styles that have to achieve for the final photos.

If you are taking the service, discuss with the photographer about your preferences. The photographer will definitely make your photo look exceptional either way.