The Ethics of Retouching in Boudoir Photography
How I Keep Skin Real Without Hiding the Real You
At Belle-Vous Photography, I believe that retouching should enhance, not erase. A few thoughtful edits can bring focus to your expression and mood, but I draw a clear line before anything that changes how you look or feel about yourself. This is about celebrating the real you.
Quick Takeaways
✔️ Do remove distractions like blemishes or lint. ❌ Don’t erase identity.
Skin texture matters. I use techniques like dodge & burn, not blur tools. So your pores and freckles stay real.
No reshaping or slimming unless you ask for it.
You approve everything. I never edit without your consent or input.
Good lighting > heavy Photoshop. I work hard to get it right in camera, so editing stays light and natural.
1. Why Retouch at All?
Even the best makeup can’t cover lint on lace or a surprise pimple. Ethical retouching cleans up those little 48-hour issues, stuff that doesn’t define you, like shaving rash, temporary redness, or a rogue hair. It’s like steaming your outfit before a shoot, not changing the look, just polishing it.
2. What I Retouch and What I Don’t
Always retouched:
I’ll clean up distractions like lint, bruises, lingerie marks, dry skin patches, or the odd razor bump. These edits help the image feel polished without changing you.
Let’s talk first:
If you’re thinking about removing a tattoo, reducing tan lines, or softening stretch marks or cellulite, we’ll have a quick chat. These edits are personal, and I only do them if you want them.
Hard no:
I won’t shrink your waist, change your facial features, or smooth your skin to the point it looks fake. I also avoid excessive whitening of teeth and eyes or any extreme Photoshop magic that takes away your authenticity.
3. How I Edit Skin Without Losing Skin
My editing style keeps your skin looking like… skin. I use dodge & burn techniques to gently highlight and shade areas without destroying texture. Freckles, pores, and natural tone stay visible.
I avoid airbrush tools and over-smoothing plugins that make skin look plastic or unrecognisable. The goal is radiance, not erasure.
4. Retouching with Consent and Collaboration
Every edit is a collaboration. Here’s how it works:
Before your shoot, we talk about how you feel about your skin and what you’d like retouched (or not).
During your same-day image reveal, you can point out anything that bothers you.
No heavy editing happens without your thumbs-up. You’re always in control of your images.
5. Beauty, Ageing & Cultural Sensitivity
Modern boudoir isn’t about looking flawless, it’s about feeling powerful. I believe in celebrating the lines, scars, and changes that tell your story. Removing every wrinkle sends the wrong message: that ageing or imperfection is something to hide. It's not.
6. My Retouching Workflow (Brisbane Studio)
Here’s what I do to keep your images real and refined:
I shoot in soft window light with reflectors to flatter your natural skin tone.
I photograph in RAW format so I can adjust colour and light without damaging detail.
In Lightroom, I adjust colour balance and tones to reflect real-life skin, not fake tan orange or over-saturated pink.
In Photoshop, I use subtle dodge & burn techniques to smooth highlights and shadows while keeping skin texture alive.
Final images are exported in both .jpg and .png formats, ready for albums, digital galleries, or framed prints.
7. Want to See It in Action?
🎥 Check out my editing time-lapse on Instagram:
@brisbane_boudoir
FAQ
Can I request no retouching at all?
Yes, 100%. Some clients love their skin exactly how it is. You’ll still get professional lighting and colour grading for consistency, but I can skip all other edits if you prefer.
What if I have scars or stretch marks?
That’s entirely your call. Some clients want them softened, others want them to stand proud. We’ll talk it through.
Will my partner know these were edited?
Unless you tell them, probably not. My retouching is subtle and natural. What they’ll notice is your glow, not Photoshop.
Step Into the Light, Just as You Are
Boudoir isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong.” It’s about seeing yourself through a new lens, confident, strong, and sexy. No filters, no fakery. Just you, shining.
Come visit the Belle-Vous Boudoir studio in West Brisbane and let’s create images that feel like you, polished, empowered, and real.
