Where do you belong?
Every retoucher has strengths. Many have more than one.
Some create flawless beauty. Some craft products that people can't ignore.
Some tell stories through fashion. Others shape emotion through colour or build worlds from imagination. Every discipline demands a different eye, a different mindset and years of dedication.
No matter where you enter, the rules are the same:
Some create flawless beauty. Some craft products that people can't ignore.
Some tell stories through fashion. Others shape emotion through colour or build worlds from imagination. Every discipline demands a different eye, a different mindset and years of dedication.
No matter where you enter, the rules are the same:
- Follow the brief
- Respect the image
- Show your craft
- Surprise us with your eye
Explore the categories. Challenge yourself. Enter the ones where your craft belongs.
Rising Star
beauty
photoshop 0–3 years
For artists with 0-3 years of experience.
Every great beauty retoucher starts by mastering the fundamentals. Rising Star Beauty celebrates emerging artists who understand that great beauty retouching isn't about changing a face—it's about refining it with skill, restraint and respect. If you're ready to demonstrate the foundations of exceptional beauty retouching on an international stage, this is your opportunity to be recognised.
What you'll retouch:
- 4 official Beauty RAW images
“Welcome to the beginning of brilliance.”
Following the brief is part of being a professional. Retoucher of the Year celebrates human craftsmanship. The use of generative AI, AI plugins, and third-party AI tools is not permitted. We’re looking for your eye, your judgement, and the craftsmanship behind every decision.
Rising Star
Product
photoshop 0–3 years
For artists with 0-3 years of experience.
A great product retoucher doesn't just perfect an image—they shape how people experience the product. Rising Star Product celebrates emerging artists who combine precision, consistency and attention to detail with a commercial eye. If you're ready to take your first step onto the international stage, this is your opportunity to show what you can do.
What you'll retouch:
- 4 official Product RAW images
“Welcome to the beginning of brilliance.”
Following the brief is part of being a professional. Retoucher of the Year celebrates human craftsmanship. The use of generative AI, AI plugins, and third-party AI tools is not permitted. We’re looking for your eye, your judgement, and the craftsmanship behind every decision.
Supernova
beauty
Photoshop 3+ years
For artists with 3+ years of experience.
Exceptional beauty retouching isn't defined by how much you change—it's defined by knowing exactly what not to change. Beauty Retoucher of the Year celebrates experienced artists who combine technical excellence with outstanding judgement. If you've spent years refining your craft, this is your opportunity to demonstrate it on an international stage.
What you'll receive:
- 4 official Product RAW images
“Precision is invisible. Excellence isn't.”
Following the brief is part of being a professional. Retoucher of the Year celebrates human craftsmanship. The use of generative AI, AI plugins, and third-party AI tools is not permitted. We’re looking for your eye, your judgement, and the craftsmanship behind every decision.
Supernova
PRODUCT
Photoshop 3+ years
For artists with 3+ years of professional experience.
Exceptional product retouching is built on precision, consistency and judgement. Product Retoucher of the Year celebrates professionals who understand that commercial retouching isn't about making products look different—it's about making them look their absolute best. If you've spent years refining your craft, this is your opportunity to demonstrate true mastery.
What you'll receive:
- 4 official Product RAW images
“Experience ignites here.”
Following the brief is part of being a professional. Retoucher of the Year celebrates human craftsmanship. The use of generative AI, AI plugins, and third-party AI tools is not permitted. We’re looking for your eye, your judgement, and the craftsmanship behind every decision.
Luminist
LIGHTROOM / CAPTURE ONE
For artists who master Lightroom / Capture One.
Colour is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in photography. It shapes emotion, atmosphere and the way an image is experienced long before the viewer notices the details.
Whether you specialise in colour grading or simply want to showcase another dimension of your craft, Luminist invites you to demonstrate your vision through colour.
Whether you specialise in colour grading or simply want to showcase another dimension of your craft, Luminist invites you to demonstrate your vision through colour.
What you'll receive:
- 8 official Haute Couture Fashion RAW images
“Light is your language.”
Following the brief is part of being a professional. Retoucher of the Year celebrates human craftsmanship. The use of generative AI, AI plugins, and third-party AI tools is not permitted. We’re looking for your eye, your judgement, and the craftsmanship behind every decision.
Alchemist
Composites
For artists with advanced Photoshop skills.
The Alchemist celebrates artists who can turn imagination into believable reality. Inspired by the visual language of entertainment, film, gaming, music and advertising, your challenge is to create a Key Art image that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression. If you enjoy creating cinematic visuals, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your creativity on an international stage.
What you'll receive:
- 1 official Hero Image together with a library of supporting image assets
“This is where imagination meets precision.”
Following the brief is part of being a professional. Retoucher of the Year celebrates human craftsmanship. The use of generative AI, AI plugins, and third-party AI tools is not permitted. We’re looking for your eye, your judgement, and the craftsmanship behind every decision.
Halo
EDITORIAL FASHION RETOUCHING
For fashion photographers and retouchers working with editorial stories.
Fashion editorials aren't remembered because of one beautiful photograph. They're remembered because every image contributes to a story. Your challenge is to create a cohesive editorial series where colour, mood and retouching work together to support the photographer's vision. Whether fashion is your speciality or one of many creative disciplines, this is your opportunity to demonstrate how thoughtful retouching can elevate an entire story.
What you'll receive:
- 8 official Fashion RAW images
“Where fashion becomes a story.”
Following the brief is part of being a professional. Retoucher of the Year celebrates human craftsmanship. The use of generative AI, AI plugins, and third-party AI tools is not permitted. We’re looking for your eye, your judgement, and the craftsmanship behind every decision.
The Bigger
Picture
This competition doesn’t just celebrate retouching — it recognises the different faces of the craft.
- Some categories are pure retouching → Rising Star, Supernova.
- Some are colour-focused → Luminist.
- Some are storytelling → Halo.
- And one demands full Photoshop mastery → Alchemist.
Together, they form a complete picture of the industry — from the subtle to the spectacular. And this is just the beginning.
Next year, the challenge grows with a range of exciting new categories, including Jewellery.
