Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have questions about my services, process, or pricing? You’ll likely find the answers here. If your question isn’t covered, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly

About My Services & Expertise

1. Q: What types of retouching do you specialize in?

A: I specialize in High-End Portrait Retouching (for professionals, artists, and premium family photos) and Specialized Equine Photography Retouching (for horses and horse & rider portraits). My focus is on delivering meticulous, natural-looking results in these specific niches.

2. Q: What is “high-end” retouching, and how is it different?

A: “High-end” retouching goes beyond basic adjustments. It involves a deep understanding of light, shadow, form, and texture. I use advanced non-destructive techniques like frequency separation, dodge & burn, and precise color grading to achieve flawless, yet natural and authentic, results without making the image look “over-retouched” or artificial.

3. Q: Do you use AI in your retouching process?

A: While my primary focus is always on meticulous hand-retouching, I strategically use AI tools in rare and specific instances. This typically applies to minor details or areas that are severely damaged or completely obscured in the original capture, making traditional restoration extremely challenging or impossible. In such cases, AI serves as a precision tool to recover or enhance those subtle elements, ensuring the highest possible quality for the final image without compromising its overall authenticity or my artistic vision. The artistic control and the core of the retouching process always remain firmly in my expert human hands.

The Cooperation Process

4. Q: How do I submit my photos to you?

A: You can securely upload your files (preferably RAW or high-quality TIFF/PSD but JPEG is ok too) via WeTransfer, Google Drive, or Dropbox. I will provide detailed instructions upon project confirmation.

5. Q: What is your typical turnaround time?

A: Turnaround time varies depending on the project’s complexity, the number of images, and my current workload. For individual high-end portraits, it typically ranges from 3-7 business days. Larger or more complex equine projects will have a tailored timeline discussed during the initial quote. Rush services may be available for an additional fee.

6. Q: Can I request revisions?

A: Yes, client satisfaction is my top priority. Each project includes two rounds of reasonable revisions based on your feedback after the initial delivery. Any additional revisions beyond this may incur an extra charge, depending on the scope of changes.

7. Q: What file formats will I receive back?

A: You will receive your final retouched images in the requested high-resolution format (e.g., TIFF, JPEG, PSD) suitable for web use (or print if needed), as agreed upon during the project discussion.

Pricing & Payment

8. Q: What is your hourly rate?

A: My hourly rate is $75/hour. You can find detailed examples of project times and approximate costs on my Pricing Page

9. Q: Why an hourly rate instead of per-image pricing?

A: An hourly rate ensures transparency and fairness. High-end retouching is highly variable; a “single image” can take anywhere from 1 to 5+ hours depending on its initial quality, complexity, and desired outcome. This method ensures you pay precisely for the time and expertise invested in your unique project

10. Q: How do you provide a quote?

A: After you provide your images and a detailed brief, I will assess the scope of work and provide a detailed time estimate and a transparent project quote before any work begins. This ensures you understand the investment upfront.

11. Q: What payment methods do you accept?

A: I accept secure payments via : PayPal, Payoneer.

12. Q: Do you offer free test edits?

A: To ensure our visions align and you’re confident in my quality, I offer paid test edits at 50% of my standard hourly rate ($37.50/hour). This allows me to dedicate my full attention and expertise to a sample image, providing a clear representation of the final quality you can expect for your project. The estimated time for a test edit will be provided beforehand.

General Questions

13. Q: What if my project falls outside your main specializations?

A: While my primary focus is on high-end portraits and equine photography, I have extensive experience across various retouching fields. If your project is complex and requires a high level of expertise, please feel free to inquire. If it aligns with my skill set and capacity, I’d be happy to discuss it.

14. Q: How do we get started?

A: The best way to begin is to fill out the contact form below , or send me an email with details about your project, including the type of photography, number of images, and your desired outcome. I look forward to hearing from you!

15. Q: My question isn’t listed here. How can I get more information?

A: If you have any further questions or require more specific details about your project, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m always happy to provide a personalized response.