Color Correction vs. Full Retouching: What's the Real Difference?

In the world of photography and image editing, the terms "fully retouched" and "color-corrected" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different levels of image editing.

Color correction is the process of adjusting the colors in an image to make them more accurate, vibrant, or balanced. This can involve adjusting the white balance, exposure, contrast, saturation, and other settings to create a pleasing and realistic color balance in the image. Color correction is usually done on a global level, meaning that the entire image is adjusted at once.

On the other hand, fully retouched images go beyond color correction to include additional edits that enhance the overall look of the image. These edits can include skin smoothing, blemish removal, wrinkle reduction, teeth whitening, and more. The goal of retouching is to create a flawless and polished appearance in the image, often to meet commercial or editorial standards.

While color correction is a relatively quick and straightforward process, retouching can be time-consuming and require more advanced editing skills. Additionally, fully retouched images may require more artistic judgment and may be subject to more subjective preferences than color-corrected images.

In summary, color correction is a basic edit that adjusts the colors in an image to make them more accurate and balanced, while retouching involves more extensive edits to enhance the overall appearance of the image. The level of editing needed for an image will depend on the intended use and the preferences of the client or audience.