Retouching photos is a crucial task that doesn't always receive the recognition it merits. Basic retouching tasks such as red-eye removal, lens corrections, and color correction can now be completed inside the camera before the image is even seen by a human retoucher. On many projects, however, retouchers and photographers are equally important, particularly when the final product is "made in the darkroom."
For optimal visual appeal, almost all photos require some sort of exposure or color modification. Before and after pictures can really show a night and day difference.
