Want flawless results from your retouching team? It all starts with what you send them. Before expert editing can elevate your images, you need to prepare your files properly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential checklist to prepare your photos for professional retouching — so your visuals come back sharper, cleaner, and exactly as you envisioned.

Why Proper Preparation Matters

Even the best retouching can’t fix low-res, poorly lit, or incorrectly formatted files. By submitting clean, intentional source images, you empower your retouching team to focus on what really matters: enhancing mood, preserving texture, and creating that high-end polish.

Here’s why prep work pays off:

• Faster turnaround time with fewer revision rounds
• More accurate edits that reflect your original vision
• Lower costs due to reduced back-and-forth
• Better results thanks to optimized source material

The Photographer’s Pre-Retouch Checklist

Before you upload or send your images to a professional team like Retouch Club, run through this checklist to make sure your files are ready:

1. Use the Highest Resolution Possible
   Submit RAW files (preferred) or high-res TIFFs. Avoid compressed JPEGs when possible.
2. Double-Check Focus and Exposure
   Blurry or overexposed shots limit what we can do. Retouching can’t restore missed technical basics.
3. Remove Unused Shots
   Only send your selects — avoid overwhelming your team with unchosen takes.
4. Label Files Clearly
   Use naming conventions like “Model_Look1_Final_RAW” or “Product_ShotA_BW_Pref” to avoid confusion.
5. Include Visual References
   Attach moodboards, color grading samples, or past campaign examples if you want a specific style.
6. Specify Retouching Needs
   Do you want skin fully cleaned or just lightly polished? Should wrinkles on clothes stay for realism? The more direction, the better the result.
7. Send Supporting Assets
   Logos, fonts, product mockups, overlays — if it’s part of the final image, include it.

Bonus: What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don’t send screenshots or compressed preview files
• ❌ Don’t leave edits open to interpretation without notes
• ❌ Don’t apply Instagram filters or edits before submission
• ❌ Don’t crop too tight — leave space for final framing

Our Process: Built Around Your Vision

At Retouch Club, we treat every file like it’s going to print — because often, it is. Our workflow is structured to help you get the best results, fastest, with full creative alignment. When your input is clear, our output is extraordinary.

Need a Template?

Ask us for a file delivery checklist or sample brief. We’re happy to help you build a submission process that saves time and maximizes output — especially if you're managing teams or producing at scale.

Get Retouching-Ready

Want results that stand out from the scroll? It starts with preparation. Explore our retouching services and discover how we turn clean inputs into visual excellence.

More Insights on Visual Workflow

• Learn more about our retouching process and services
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• Read how preparation affects ROI in marketing visuals