High-quality and believable retouching is a subtle art form, and requires a well-trained eye. My long-term personal history as a print graphic artist (specializing in production and fashion/beauty retouching) as well as a trained professional makeup artist helps me create ideal, realistic and flattering retouching! Focusing on (if you'll excuse the pun!) the natural beauty and features in each individual and playing those up while using a light hand to minimize minor distractions is the extra level that takes a great photo to a (hopefully!) perfect one. :) Here are some favorite before and after examples (before on the left, after on the right)

— Karen ReVelle Photography