Graphic Design · Intermediate level

Intermediate level · Module 3: Photo Editing and Compositing · Lesson 2 of 3

Responsible Retouching

Improve photos without misleading viewers.

In this lesson you will

  • Retouch blemishes and distractions
  • Apply ethical limits to editing

Key concepts

healing and cloningdistraction removalbody and skin editing ethicsdocumentary integrity

The lesson

Healing and cloning tools remove dust, distractions and temporary blemishes.

Do not change people's bodies or skin tone in ways that mislead or promote harmful ideals.

For documentary and NGO images, do not add, remove or move things that change what happened; describe significant edits.

Step by step

  1. Remove dust and distractions.
  2. Discuss three editing dilemmas.
  3. Write editing limits.
  4. Log edits.

Practice activity

Retouch the campaign photos within written limits.

Expected result: Retouched images and an edit log.

Check your understanding

  1. Is it acceptable to remove people from a documentary photo?

    Show answer

    No, it changes what happened.

  2. Name one ethical limit for retouching people.

    Show answer

    Do not change body shape or skin tone misleadingly.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.