When you’re considering a boudoir session, one of the most common questions that comes up is: How much will my photos be retouched?
As a San Diego boudoir photographer, I want to be completely transparent about my editing philosophy. Retouching is part of the process — but so is authenticity. My goal is always to create images that feel like you at your most confident, not an overly airbrushed version of yourself.
Why Retouching Matters in Boudoir Photography
Professional retouching is about bringing out the best in your photos. Just like professional hair and makeup, lighting, and posing, retouching helps polish your final images so they look their absolute best. It’s about removing distractions, enhancing the overall look, and making sure your focus is on your beauty — not on little things that don’t define you.
Where I Draw the Line: Enhancement vs. Alteration
Here’s where authenticity comes in. I believe boudoir photography should celebrate who you are — not change you into someone else. That means:
✔️ I’ll smooth skin, adjust lighting, and remove temporary blemishes like a breakout or bruise.
✔️ I’ll soften under-eye circles or redness so you look as radiant as you felt that day.
✔️ I’ll make sure the colors, tones, and details in your photos are beautifully balanced.
But I won’t:
✘ Change your body shape or size.
✘ Erase scars, stretch marks, or features that are a natural part of you (unless you specifically request it).
✘ Create a version of you that doesn’t feel authentic.
Why? Because I believe your body is worthy of being photographed as it is — right now. The little things you might be self-conscious about are often the exact details that make your photos the most powerful.
Why Authenticity is Empowering
Many of my clients are booking their very first boudoir photoshoot, and they’re nervous about how they’ll look on camera. My editing philosophy is designed to support you through that. During your session, I’ll guide you through every pose, show you the back of the camera along the way, and remind you just how incredible you look in real time. By the time you see your final images, you’ll recognize yourself — just elevated by professional styling, lighting, and editing.
Boudoir is about empowerment, and that comes from seeing your authentic self as art.
The Magic of Professional Photography
It’s also worth mentioning that retouching is just one part of the equation. The biggest impact comes from the experience itself: professional hair and makeup by my glam squad, the personalized styling we plan together, and the full day in my San Diego boudoir studio. Add in professional posing guidance, the perfect lighting, and the confidence boost of being cheered on the entire time — and you’ll be amazed by how little retouching is needed at all!
Final Thoughts
Boudoir retouching isn’t about changing who you are, it’s about honoring who you are. My promise as your San Diego boudoir photographer is to deliver images that feel true, powerful, and timeless. With the right mix of enhancement and authenticity, you’ll walk away with custom artwork that reminds you of your beauty every single day.
Ready to see yourself in a whole new light?
Let’s chat about your boudoir experience and create images that feel like the most authentic, empowered version of you!
